Did Crewe coach just have a dig at Vale’s new recruits?
Crewe Alexandra coach James Collins has said that the side’s new recruits are “miles better” than what the club had.
The comments could be seen as a slight dig at Port Vale, as summer signings Anthony Grant and Uche Ikpeazu both played for Alexandra last season.
For me, the players we’ve brought in are miles better than what we had…
In an article about re-adopting a passing style, Collins told the Crewe Chronicle: “For me, the players we’ve brought in are miles better than what we had.
“We are working on moving and supporting the ball every day and, though we’ve got a bit to do, I’m happy with where we are at right now.”
Crewe have brought in central midfielders Billy Bingham and David Fox, so Collins’ comments could be viewed as a dig at Anthony Grant who played in central midfield last season.
Grant has been criticised by the Crewe backroom staff before, In May, assistant manager Neil Baker told the Chronicle: “We thought we could have got more out of him and there was more to come. We’re not sure we always got value for money with Granty, even though he had a decent season.”
If Vale need any additional motivation ahead of the season opener, perhaps it’s worth printing out Collins’ and Baker’s comments and pinning them up in the away dressing room at the Alexandra stadium…