Super Six

1. Colin Daniel

The first signing of the summer was from non league side Eastwood Town. Despite late interest from Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday, the player elected to join on a two year contract.

The youngster has been tracked by Crewe for the majority of last season and it is hoped that he eventually will become the long term successor for David Vaughan on the left hand side of midfield.

The player often referred to as ‘Junior` has progressed through the ranks at Eastwood and was rated highly by the Nottinghamshire club. He likes to run with the ball and is a terrific striker of a ball.

Crewe Vital view: One for the future. Will take time to make the step up to league football but the club hope he can spark David Vaughan in to life by challenging the welsh winger for a place in the first team.

2. Steven Schumacher (Pictured Above)

Steven will add height and presence to a previously lightweight midfield. He has played over a 100 games at this level with Bradford City and will be a big player for us next season.

He started his career with Everton and after loan spells at Carlisle and Oldham he elected to join Bradford. Steven was linked with a move to Crewe when he left Everton but at the time we were okay for midfielders.

Left Bradford on a sour note, fans of the Yorkshire club blamed him for their relegation to league two. Played the majority of his games as a holding midfielder but last season he played further forward and scored seven goals.

Crewe Vital view: Hopefully a fresh start will bring the best out of him. On the occasions that I have seen him he has looked a quality player and I think that he could be the best acquisition of the summer.

3. Eugen Bopp

Like Schumacher, he is a 6ft midfielder who is highly regarded in the game. The Ukrainian born player was a product of the Bayern Munich youth team.

The player was snapped up by Nottingham Forest in 2001. Already a hero in Crewe after his late goal for the former European Champions on the last day of the 2004/05 season condemned Rotherham to relegation and ensured that we pulled off a dramatic final day survival.

Incidentally he went on to join Rotherham. Eugen scored against us and was later sent off in the embarrassing 5-1 defeat at Milmoor last October. He suffered an ankle injury at the end of February and has been recovering ever since.

Crewe Vital view: Another good signing, questions still hang over his fitness. If he can prove he is over his injury he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.

4. Billy Jones

Billy Jones (Mark 2) joined us following Exeter City disappointing Conference play off defeat. He will once again team up with former team mate and friend Danny Woodards.

He will go straight in to the first team at left back. Noted for his goal-scoring exploits from left back and has a powerful shot on him. Not the finished article but plenty of potential for the Crewe management team to work on.

Crewe Vital view: Be interesting to see if he can make the step up, a player who has been tracked for a long time. Hopefully he can continue to score goals and get forward whilst working on his defensive attributes.

5. Chris McCready

Chris rejoins after a year at League One rivals Tranmere Rovers. A player who can play anywhere across the back four. He looks to have overcome his injury problems which blighted his first spell with the club.

He favoured position is centre half and he will be looking to hold down a regular place at the heart of the defence. Big credit must be give to new first team coach Steve Holland for persuading him to make a return to the Alexandra Stadium.

Crewe Vital view: Excellent squad player, his versatility will be a major asset for the team. Will be interesting to see if he can hold a place down at centre half or if he will just be used as squad player to cover injuries across the back four.

6. Danny O` Donnell

Finally he has signed! He has put pen to paper on a three year deal and we have paid around £100,000 to Liverpool to secure his services. He spent last season with us on loan and now has elected to join us permanently.

Struggled to adjust when he first joined us last season but got better as the season progressed. He scored his first league goal in the 4-3 home victory against Gillingham.

Ended the season well and forged a good partnership with Julien Baudet. He will be hoping to start next season as a first choice centre half.

Crewe Vital view: Made good strides last season and will be looking to build upon last season. He will battle it out with Chris McCready and Julien Baudet for a place in the starting XI at centre half.