Crewe hit by injury blow

Crewe have suffered an early blow in their pre-season campaign, after midfielder Lee Bell was ruled out of the start of the season with a foot injury.

The 23-year-old picked up the injury in a friendly tie with Southport, but the Gresty Road medical staff are unable to carry out an assessment until the swelling goes down.

The League One outfit hope to assess the full extent of the damage over the next few days, but Bell is expected to miss his side's first few games of the new season at the very least.

Manager Dario Gradi's midfield is looking increasingly depleted, as Bell joins Michael O'Connor on the injury list, who has also been ruled out of the start of the season after suffering a knock to his ankle.

Meanwhile, Gradi is considering added ex-Crewe striker Rodney Jack to his backroom staff.

Gradi is expected to sign up Jack to perform the role of skills coach for the club's highly-rated youth academy and has not ruled out giving the St Vincent international a playing contract at the club.

"It may be that we'll invite him to become a tricks coach with the kids," Gradi told the club's official website.

"He is very talented and his skills are some of the best I have ever seen, plus he gets on well with the youngsters. He has that kind of personality.

"I think he could make a successful coach if he puts his mind to it."