Crewe Alexandra chase two new signings (From This Is Cheshire)

Crewe Alexandra chase two new signings

3:32pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Sport By Toby Robinson

CREWE expect to bolster their defence in time for Saturday’s under-threat derby at Port Vale.

With Adam Dugdale and Dave Artell both serving suspensions, Alex boss Steve Davis hopes to complete moves for two new signings this week.

A towering League One centre-half was due to arrive on loan at Reaseheath yesterday (Wednesday).

And if finances allow, Davis also hopes to bring to sign an experienced unattached left-back who has played in the Championship.

“Neil (Baker) came to me with a name of a centre-half and this one stood out,” he explained.

“We followed it up and I think we’ve been able to get him in.

“With the players we’ve got missing we’re going to need that cover because if we get any more injuries to other defenders we’re very short.

“So it was essential that we can bring that sort of person in.

“The left-back will depend on if we can afford to bring him in.

“We tried to sign a midfielder that we spoke to this week but we couldn’t afford to do it financially.

“Neither of them are kids but they’re not old either.

“The centre-half is 6ft 3ins who will give us another dimension in terms of his height and presence.

“The left-back is 31, played a lot of games and might be the one we’ve been looking for.”

“We’re always looking to improve because you should never stand still and we’ve got to keeping moving the club forward.

“Hopefully they’ll both come in and do exceptionally well and we’ll look to extend their deals more than a month.”

After last Saturday’s home clash with Accrington was called off due to the cold snap, Saturday’s eagerly-awaited derby also looks likely to be off.

Vale Park’s pitch has been frozen all week with temperatures unlikely to rise before the weekend.

“It’s frustrating when this weather comes and it affects everybody,” continued Davis.

“But we have to go with it, there’s not a lot we can do.

“You have to be fair to both teams and come Saturday if the pitch is still frozen, it’s important the decision is made early.

“We’ll train as if it’s on and we’re looking forward to it but if the weather decides it’s off we’ve just got to get on with it.”

If postponed, Crewe should hopefully return to action at home to Burton Albion on Tuesday.