Today Zach writes about why Alex fans should be more optimistic that usual for the upcoming campaign
In recent seasons it`s safe to say there has been an aura of pessimism around Gresty Road, but this season more than any other I believe us as Alex fans have reason to be a little more optimistic. Why, I hear you ask? Well, two signings this summer have made the word optimism spring to mind and they are the experienced striking pair of Ryan Lowe and Chris Dagnall.
The Liverpudlian pair of Lowe and Dagnall signed for the Railwaymen back on May 26th and July 5th respectively this year and will more than certainly add a wealth of experience and quality to a dejected Crewe side, after a disastrous 2015/16 season in which The Alex only managed to score 46 goals while conceding 83. Although the defensive stats tell their own story the fact that The Reds often looked un-creative and disorganised up top meant Steve Davis and his men were doomed from the start of the campaign. After last season Crewe then also released 11 players from their ranks which then took the team`s goal tally for the contracted players down to a frankly embarrassing 21 goals between the whole squad. The signing of Lowe and Dagnall can make up for these lost goals aplenty.
Starting his career at local club Tranmere, 30-year-old journeyman Dagnall makes Crewe his 9th club in his established career. The energetic, 5ft 8inch striker has managed to score 111 goals in his career. This includes 54 goals in 113 games for Rochdale and 17 goals in 32 starts for London club Leyton Orient and Alex fans will be hoping ‘Daggers` can find his goal scoring boots in South Cheshire sooner rather than later, as they look to bounce back to League 1 at the first attempt.
This will be 37-year-old Ryan Lowe`s third stint at Gresty Road, after a spell between 2006 and 2008 and then of course last season`s loan spell. ‘Lowey` signed after a gentleman`s agreement was made between manager Steve Davis and himself to bring him back to The Alex after his contract expired at Bury that year. The prolific veteran has 202 goals to his name over his 16-year career, which has included spells at sides such as Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons as well as Crewe. Lowe added something different to last season`s side as he, even at his “tender” age (!), chased after every ball and fought for every tackle. Let`s hope Ryan can produce the goods once again this season as he has done in the past.
Between them Crewe`s new look strike force have scored 315 goals and with that impressive stat let`s hope Steve Davis` men will be towards the top end of the Sky Bet League 2 table come May 2017. If The Alex are to challenge for promotion Dagnall and Lowe will more than likely have to play a large part in it.