Crewe Alex 2024-2025 Season Preview Part 1 – Individual and Positional Breakdowns

We're back for another season of joy, pain and everything in between as Crewe Alex look to go one better than they did last season and achieve promotion to League One. Doing so will be difficult after a number of their key performers from last season departed and several new faces have joined the group.

So, in this piece I'm going to do a player by player and position by position breakdown and discuss where I think the Alex at as they gear up for their opening few games. Let's get into it:

Goalkeepers

Number 1: Tom Booth(Final year of contract, expires summer 2025)

I like Booth. I think he did everything that was asked of him last season at just 19 and stepping into senior football for his first extended run of games. He is going to be the clubs number 1, but it's a worry that he has once again picked up an injury. I hope this isn't going to be a constant issue with him, as 3 separate injuries in 8 months is a concern. But if he can stay fit, I'm hoping he can be the clubs long term number 1.

Number 2: Filip Marschall(Season long loan from Aston Villa)

Listen to MK Dons fans and you'd think the Alex had signed the worst keeper in the world. But their manager saw fit to sign him 3 times. A 6 game spell at the end of the season behind a leaky defence isn't the best way to judge him.

Still, he's had a few issues this pre-season, so the confidence in him is going to be kept deliberately low. How much he plays remains to be seen though.

Position Assessment

You can't help but feel the club have gone cheap at this crucial position once again. I'm higher on Booth than a few Alex fans and I'm not paying too much attention to what Marschall did in 6 games at MK Dons. But at the same time, the Alex are crying out for an experienced option to come in and give some balance, not constantly rolling with 2 youngsters.

I didn't subscribe to the idea that Harvey Davies cost the Alex that many points last season, but if these 2 can't keep things in order, then the annual Crewe Alex goalkeeper debate is going to rear its ugly head once again.

Defenders – Right Back

Starter: Lewis Billington(12 month extension signed, expires summer 2025)

Billington surprisingly broke through last season in November and never looked back. A weird dropping in March raised some eyebrows, but he seems very much back in the fold and looks to have a commanding hold on the starting spot at RB. Still, he now has to take a step forward in his development and prove himself capable of being a good player at that spot.

His defensive work seems ok, but it's in his attacking work that I'd like to see him kick on and start putting up more goals and assists. Adebisi managed 4 and 7 respectively last season and whilst I'm not asking for those numbers from Billington, a few more than the 1 and 1 he managed last season will be important.

Bench: Ryan Cooney(Final year of his contract, expires summer 2025)

Cooney found it tough last season, let's just say that. He struggled to start games and get through them for whatever reason. He made frequent mistakes which often led to goals and he was surpassed by Billington for the starting RB spot.

He's found it tough during this pre-season and the rumour is that the management are looking to move him on if there any takers. I'd be surprised if anyone moves for him. I'd be more than content to have him as a depth option to come on late in games for some fresh legs and energy personally.

Position Assessment

Things look a bit better at this spot than they did a year ago. Billington seems capable of holding down the starters job, but the management really need Cooney to do better than he did last season, if he's still around come September that is. If Billington can take a step forward and start being more of a factor both in terms of creativity and a goal threat, then the Alex will be in a good position.

Defenders – Centre Back

Starter: Mickey Demetriou(New 1 year deal signed, expires summer 2025, option for 2nd year)

What more do we need to say about Mickey? He's coming off a fantastic season where he swept the club awards and even made the League Two Team of the Season. 8 goals and 6 assists as a non set piece taking CB was unbelievable. However, this season will 2 challenges.

How Bell keeps him fresh, as he'll turn 35 in March and playing 46 games once again might prove tricky. And how they deal with the fact that it's unlikely he manages 14 goal contributions again. He's a massive part of this team and it's culture, so ensuring he stays at the top of his game will be crucial.

Starter: Jamie Knight-Lebel(Season long loan from Bristol City, expires summer 2025)

I'm somewhat curious as to why the Alex brought in the inexperienced Knight-Lebel when in theory at least, they had the same kind of player in Williams and Billington would could have played in this spot. But they did sign him and he seems set to start the season at RCB alongside Demetriou.

Fingers crossed he copes with the transition to senior mens football seamlessly, as any struggles he has will potentially cause disruption to a back line already reeling from the loss of Luke Offord and Rio Adebisi.

Starter/Bench: Zac Williams(1 year contract extension triggered, expires summer 2025)

Williams' best position is left centre back in either a back 3 or 4. Only problem is, Demetriou has a lock on that spot and will hopefully be there for the foreseeable future. Williams took small steps forward last season, adding 4 goals and assists, but we remain in the same position we did 12 months ago where we're struggling to find a space for him as a regular starter and we're questioning his fitness record after he only managed 22 starts last season. We're not at make or break with him yet, but it's getting closer.

Starter/Bench: James Connolly(2 year contract signed, expires summer 2026)

The Alex bolstered their defensive options with the signing of Connolly from Bristol Rovers on a 2 year deal. The 22 year old comes with a decent amount of experience for his age, having made 65 starts and 78 appearances in total for Bristol Rovers and Morecambe. A lot of those games came at the level above, which is also a good sign. How and where he figures to start alongside Demetriou, Knight-Lebel and Williams, I don't know, but it's a positive signing on paper.

U21s/Fringe: Nathan Robinson(2 year contract signed, expires summer 2026)

It's a shame Robinson seems to have picked up a long term injury that saw him miss the end of last season and all of the pre-season, as he might have been able to stake a claim to a bench spot had he played in the friendlies. He looks like a talented player, but he'll likely need a decent loan move to build up his match fitness. Him taking the same career path as Connor O'Riordan doesn't seem that far fetched, so I'm looking forward to seeing him progress and maybe break through in the 2nd half of the season.

Position Assessment

The biggest concern with this group is how bottom heavy they are. Their 5 options are aged 34, 22, 20, 19 and 18. If they lose Demetriou for any extended period of time, there won't be a lot of experience and wisdom in this group to guide them through games to see out leads or chase deficits. Demetriou is also going to be under increased pressure not just as club captain to lead the team, but also lead this unit game to game.

Defenders – Left Back

Bench: Charlie Finney(Final year of his contract, option of a further year, expires summer 2025)

The club clearly like Finney and want to give him a chance to prove he can start at LB, but it's a massive risk after coming off what Bell described as major surgery. That risk already seems like it's backfiring, as Finney has been unable to play any part in the pre-season thus far.

It's wildly optimistic to think he'll be able to suddenly come in and play week in week out with his lack of experience and injury concerns. Who's his back up? The first year pro in Lucas Sant? Williams, who we all know is more comfortable at CB? It's less than ideal.

U21s/Fringe: Lucas Sant(12 month deal signed, expires summer 2025)

Speaking of Sant, he's looked lively in the pre-season, but I would imagine he's a way off starting. He, like Robinson, could be in line for a loan or 2 to help him gain some experience and then push for a squad spot later in the season. He's one to keep an eye on for sure.

Position Assessment

The club should have been in the market for a LB all summer. They definitely need to add one before the window closes. I don't care how high they are on the options they have internally, none fill me with the confidence that even between them, they can cover the 46 games in the season. Getting a short term 6 month loan in to allow for the possibility that Finney can't play often would be a wise investment I think. As it stands, I think this is the weakest position group in the squad and it needs work before the window closes.

Midfield – Central Midfield

Starter: Max Sanders(2 year deal signed, expires summer 2026)

Sanders has stood out in pre-season. His range of passing and technical ability looks to be exactly what the Alex missed last season once Powell went down. He's notched 2 goals and caught the eye, so fingers crossed he can held improve a group that lacked consistency last season.

The only concern is his fitness record, as his career high for starts is 21. If the Alex can get 30+ games out of him, they'll be on to a winner. If he struggles however, then there will be issues.

Starter: Conor Thomas(2 year deal signed, expires summer 2026)

Another player with question marks over his fitness is Thomas. I'll be honest, I'd have moved on in the summer, but Bell clearly values his leadership and professionalism. And to be fair, he seems to be really putting down roots in the local area and working to build up his coaching school.

How many games he can give them will be interesting, as I still think that if Sanders, Tabiner and Powell stay fit for the majority of the season(and it's a big if), Thomas might end up in a backup role. For now though, he looks set to start as we wait for Powell's return.

Starter: Joel Tabiner(2 years left on his contract, expires summer 2026)

I initially had him as an attacking midfielder as that's where he started the opening couple of pre-season friendlies, but now he seems to have moved back into the deeper midfield role as he played last season. Honestly, 23-24 was a mixed season for Tabiner.

He didn't make as much impact in this role and I still see him as being more comfortable further forward. Staying fit will be the first challenge though, as a long term ankle injury limited him to just 18 starts. Do that the Alex will have a player capable of putting up 5-10 assists easily.

Bench: Jack Powell(Final year of his contract, option of a further year next summer)

I put Powell on the bench for now, only because his return to the squad is unknown, let alone him starting, starting regularly and performing to a high level. ACL injuries at 30 are hard to come back from. I'm really hoping he can return to something resembling his best, as the Alex badly missed him last season.

But realistically, he's going to start the season on the bench and then slowly work his way back into the starting XI. I think patience is going to be required, as it could take a while for him to get back to his previous levels.

Bench: Owen Lunt(12 month contract extension signed, expires summer 2025)

Lunt hasn't done himself any harm in terms of making the squad after putting in some solid work in the pre-season. He could be a dark horse for Breakthrough Player of the Season, as the 4 options above him all has fitness concerns. To be fair, so does he, so like the others, staying fit will be challenge number 1 for him. Hopefully the back injury which saw him miss most of last season was just growing pains. He'll get some chances in the first team I think.

Position Assessment

They all stay fit and the Alex will have one of the better midfield groups in the league. If injuries start to bite as they did last season, then this position goes from well stocked to wafer thin very quickly. Unlike with the other position groups though, this one is the most crucial. Without a settled midfield, the Alex can't hope to play a consistent style of football and get regular service to the strikers or support to the defence.

Injuries to Powell and Tabiner last season saw their goals dry up from October onwards and saw the style of play become erratic. Getting more consistency and starts from this group really will make or break their hopes for 24-25.

Midfield – Attacking Midfield

Starter/Bench: Matus Holicek(Final year of his contract, expires summer 2025)

Holicek showed flashes last season of what he was capable of, which as a first year pro represented a solid return. But now he has to build on that. He looks set to be given a prominent role as an attacking midfielder, so he has now to prove he can cope with the likely attention he'll be getting from L2 midfielders.

Him taking a step and putting up more production will be massive for the Alex's attack which lost 41 of it's 68 goals and 20 of it's 47 assists from last season. If he can develop into a double figures goals/assists player, that will boost the Alex's chances to repeating last seasons success

Bench: Callum Agius(2 years left on his contract, expires summer 2026)

A wild card in the squad is Agius. He's only just graduated from the academy, so expectations will be kept low, especially after a quiet pre-season. But at the same time, the optimism that he can be a contributor this season remains high. He'll likely get chances to shine off the bench, which against tiring defences might be what he needs. I doubt Bell is expecting much production from him so early in his career, so anything he does give them will be a welcome bonus.

Positional Assessment

These 2 could give the team 5 goals and assists combined. They could give you 20. If it's closer to the latter, then the Alex will easily have one of the best attacks in the division. If they struggle with their lack of experience and get bullied out of games though, the Alex will have to rely on others to give them the creativity that they need. This is a low floor, high ceiling group, especially if Tabiner and Lankester are added into the mix.

Attackers – Wingers

Starter: Jack Lankester(2 year deal signed, expires summer 2026)

The lively winger seems very different to Long and Tracey. Whilst they rely on their speed, Lankester seems to be a player that focuses on his technical ability and movement to create pockets of space. I'm hoping he can add some much needed creativity, as that is something I just don't think they have enough of with their other wide options.

The question marks will be over his ability to be consistently dangerous from the wing and whether he might suit a more central role in the number 10 spot. His Cambridge stats were underwhelming, but his pre-season showing has been positive. So hopefully he has a good impact this season.

Starter: Shilow Tracey(Final year of contract, expires summer 2025)

It's make or break for Tracey. He had an underwhelming first year with the club, managing just 3 goals and 4 assists and his all round performances faded as the season progressed. With Lankester and Long vying for wide spots and maybe a loan option and Roberts also pushing him, Tracey has to start producing on a more regular basis and quickly. Otherwise this season could be his last in the EFL.

Starter/Bench: Chris Long(12 month extension signed, expires summer 2025)

When fit, he gives you goals. 22 goals and 5 assists in 69 league appearances over the last 3 seasons shows he's a 1 in 3 production player. But the issue once again is his fitness. He cannot stay fit. Expecting any different this season is foolish. Can they afford to carry a player that will likely only give them 20-30 appearances?

Even if those appearances do yield around 10 goal contributions? The fact that he's played no part in the pre-season suggests he won't begin the season in the starting XI. Can he have an impact from the bench to begin with?

U21s/Fringe: Fin Roberts(2 year deal signed, expires summer 2026)

Roberts signed after a successful trial from the back end of last season and he's one to keep an eye on. Clearly still raw, he's shown really promising flashes in pre-season, scoring 4 goals and looking lively, against tier 7 and 8 opposition admittedly. But he looks like a potential rough diamond and one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Positional Assessment

How much production you get out of this group will be interesting. Their career highs for goal contributions are 11(Long), 7(Lankester) and 7(Tracey). If I'm Bell, I'm challenging each of them to beat those totals. If they can all do that, then the Alex will have more than enough firepower to hang with the division's big hitters.

If they struggle though, then they'll have to rely on either the youngsters in midfield to contribute more. These 3 are some of the older and more experienced players in the group. They have to step up

Attackers – Strikers

Starter/Bench: Kane Hemmings(1 year deal signed, expires summer 2025)

I think Hemmings was potentially added as the bench option for the Alex, but his performances in pre-season have elevated him to the main starting striker at this point I'd argue. He's looked sharp, against admittedly pre-season opposition. The big question now is, will he prove he still has enough juice in the tank at 32 to notch 10+ goals? He's scored enough goals against the Alex, he now needs to start repaying that debt by scoring plenty for them.

Starter/Bench: Omar Bogle(2 year deal signed, expires summer 2026)

Bogle has had a tough pre-season, let's be honest. He missed a penalty at Newcastle and then picked up an injury against Real Mallorca which ruled him out of the rest of the friendlies. Still, these are only friendlies.

Unfortunately, the bigger concern is his fitness record. His season with Newport in 22-23 looks like an outlier, with his other seasons ruined by long term issues. Like a few in the squad, how much production they get out him will be crucial. 40 games and 15 goals will be the hope, but if it turns into 25 games and 7 goals, then they'll be praying for more help from elsewhere. Can he be the main man as he seems to thrive off?

Positional Assessment

It's not often you see the Alex go older at a position. But that's what they did when they traded in two 28-year-olds in Nevitt and Baker-Richardson for a 32 and 30 year old in Hemmings and Bogle respectively. Both players can score anywhere between 5 and 15 on their day and how Bell mixes in starts for them both will be interesting.

No doubt both players possess physical qualities and seem like solid finishers, but both lack the pace to get in behind and stretch defences. Hopefully Bell makes up for that with plenty of movement and runners in and around whoever starts.

Conclusion

The Alex's squad is a very boom or bust group. If all goes well, there is easily 70 goals, 50 assists and a top 7 quality squad here. But if injuries hit, the youngsters don't take a step and things start to snowball, they could struggle to even reach the top half. With them being more of a target after last seasons success, if Bell can repeat what he managed in his first full campaign, then he'll easily be in the running for manager of the season once again.

Right, so that's part 1 wrapped up. I'll be back with a part 2 tomorrow where I discuss some more general thoughts on the Alex squad and then give some predictions on who'll be their key performers and where they will finish.