We interview Alex fan Zach Homer about the upcoming season
Last season was obviously very disappointing for the Alex. What`s your take on it?
As an Alex fan who went to as many away games as possible as well as the home games I think this season honestly hurt me much more than perhaps any other Crewe fan. Trips to Doncaster Rovers and Swindon Town just to name two which I went to and shall not be spoken about. As Crewe fans we almost now expect to be at the bottom end of any league table but if there`s one thing as a collective we ask for, its passion. Spineless performance after spineless performance home and away came and went in my opinion last term. The few bright sparks we did have in Colclough, Guthrie, Inman and Garratt were very much overshadowed by the majority of under performing ‘professionals` we had in our side. This was shown very perfectly when we played Blackpool at home (a must win game) towards the back end of the campaign, a game that I would say fully defined our 2015/16 season and again the less said the better. All in all I think if I were to describe last season in 1 word I would have to say heartbreaking.
Manager Steve Davis has come in for a lot of criticism over the last few seasons. Davis in or out?
Perhaps not the first in or out decision I have had to justify this year but on the topic of Davis I am predominantly on the fence with him. I believe Davis did come under too much criticism last season? Now before my head gets bitten off I shall justify this in very simple terms! The manager can only do so much. Ultimately it comes down to the 11 that go out wearing the shirt battling for the 3 points come half 5 on a Saturday evening. Although tactics wise Davis isn`t exactly perfect (or even competent in some cases), the least Davis can expect is hard work, which to no fault of his own hasn`t exactly come this season, I am sure we can all agree. At least it hasn`t looked like it from our perspective. Having spoken to Steve for lengthy times at both fans forums that we`ve had I have realised there is so much more to managing a football team and (don`t worry!) I did give him my honest opinion on his tactics, which I`m sure he didn`t like, but he takes it all on board. If I can give him one thing, it`s that he has respect for the fans, which I admire. Yes he`s made comments about younger fans but from me he did apologise in person for what he said. He also hastened to add that what he said wasn`t towards all younger fans. It was only to the small minority that may or may not understand the pressure that comes with the job. All in all I will be more decisive after 10/15 games this upcoming season to which side of the fence I sit on with Davis but at the moment id say I`m DAVIS IN.
What have you thought of the way the squad has been shaping up so far during pre season?
We will see how we are after 10/15 games in this season but so far I`d say the signs are positive. I`ve been to 3 pre season games so far this season; Kidsgrove, Wolves and Nantwich. Our games vs Wolves and Nantwich I must say I was very satisfied and maybe even happy. Regarding Wolves you have to remember they are a championship side battling for play-offs in the Championship and I thought we put up a decent display. Although it was a very stagnating game, I`d say that is to be expected in pre-season. Nantwich showed some positive signs. Some good passing here and there, nice attacking (through Dagnall especially) and some decent defending at the back again from the usual culprit of Jon Guthrie. But you have to remember, no disrespect, but its Nantwich.
Who`s been the best signing?
Our business this summer has been good this summer in my opinion! Getting Bakayogo and Ryan Lowe back really shows our ambition in league 2. Liam Smith on loan from Newcastle looks very good so far of what I`ve seen of him as well and we will see how the pacey Chelsea loanee Alex Kiwomya does. However, our best bit of business has come in Chris Dagnall. A proven striker with some pace from what I`ve seen, considering he is 30. He fights to win the ball back from the front with Lowe and definitely has that eye for goal. 113 goals in 321 games doesn`t seem too bad a goal return either.
Where would you look to strengthen?
A centre back, full back and a ball wining central midfielder would be very much appreciated before the beginning of the season next month at Stevenage. However, I fully understand the financial constraints at Gresty Road. That said, as I write this Newcastle have completed the signing of former Crewe academy defender Grant Hanley from Blackburn for a reported £6 million, which would set the Alex up for a cash wind fall of around the 600k mark due to the sell on clause included in his contract when he first signed for Rovers, so you never know – another face could be in the squad before the transfer window shuts.
Who do you think will be our best player this season?
I reckon it will be between 3 players. Those being the usual 2 of Garratt and Guthrie, who were both exceptional during a tough season last term, and then also new striker Chris Dagnall. However once again I reckon it will be the young goalkeeper Ben Garratt. Accountable for at least 12 of our points last season after truly special performances against the likes of Shrewsbury, Burton and Southend just to name a few, Ben in my opinion is likely to be a key figure in our upcoming season which I reckon sadly, injury and team form pending, will be his last at Gresty Road. Arguably the best keeper in league 2, and the Alex have him (for now?).
Who do you think will be our most surprising player?
Daniel Udoh. No two ways about it. The former Ilkeston man is strong, quick, passionate and already becoming a fan`s favourite. He looked at home in that first half against Port Vale in which we inevitably lost 3-0. Although he is a little rough around the edges, the 19-year-old former Nigerian International has the potential to become a tricky player for defences to handle. I look forward to see what Daniel can offer to the team this upcoming season!
Finally, how do you think we`ll fare this season?
League 2 this season is full of a lot of strong sides. Doncaster, Notts County, Blackpool, Pompey, Plymouth, Leyton Orient just to name a few. Against all teams we will have to attack and really go for it if we are going to have any chance of promotion next season. As I`ve said I am however excited for this season and after the business Davis and the board have completed I see no reason why we cant push for top half and maybe even more. Now, I can be one of the most pessimistic Crewe fans out there but I also genuinely think this season`s squad is better than the one we started with last season. Haber and Dalla Valle have been replaced with Dagnall and Lowe, Fox replaced with the bright Liam Smith, Inman replaced with the pacey Alex Kiwomya. It all seems to be falling slowly into place. We have some great talent at our disposal as well this season in the form of Jones, Cooper, Ainley, Kirk, Udoh, Ng, Wintle, Finney, Saunders etc. Only time will tell but we could be set for brighter times at the Alex and maybe even in 12 months time from now I am writing on how we can prepare for life back in League 1.