Higdon A Deciding Factor-Schumacher

Crewe Alexandra`s new midfield signing Steven Schumacher has admitted that outgoing Alex striker Michael Higdon had a big influence on his decision to make the move to South Cheshire.

Schumacher, who recently secured a three-year deal at Crewe, was told by Higdon that coming to Crewe would be a great move and that the club would improve him as a player.

Both hailing from Merseyside, the players struck up a relationship after regular battles in local leagues when they were younger. Unfortunately for the pair they won`t be able to extend their association to team mates as Higdon rejected Crewe`s offer of a new contract last week. Instead he favoured a move north to Scottish Premier League side Falkirk after his Crewe career seemed to be turning particularly sour. Although always backed by his manager, Higdon had become the target of sections of the Crewe support after some distinctly below par performances.

Following Higdon`s advice, Schumacher, who made 49 appearances for Bradford last season, came to Crewe to look at the facilities as was so impressed with the set up he decided to sign on the spot. With a holiday the next day and the potential to mull his offer over, Schumacher must have been suitably impressed with his interpretation of the club to sign there and then.

Having scored seven goals in Bradford colours last season, Dario has already sounded out Schumacher as a man who he wants to see bringing more drive and goals from midfield in the coming season.

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