FIRST team coach James Collins admits recruitment will be key to Crewe Alexandra’s hopes of success next season.

After back-to-back struggles, the Alex are hoping for better times ahead with two or three new faces instrumental in that quest.

Boss Steve Davis has already expressed his desire to bring in a midfield general with an experienced centre half also on the wish list.

And, set to play a bigger part on the touchline, Collins knows the next few weeks will be crucial.

“I think it will be key this year,” he explained.

“It’s not as easy to bring players in as some people think and that’s something I’ve learned over the past 12 months.

“You identify a player but the agents wants to wait and then you have to decide whether to wait and risk missing out on another target.

“We can’t afford to make mistakes and if you do, it can become a long season.”

Crewe are still waiting on out-of-contract duo Ryan Colclough and Matt Tootle to decide if they will sign new deals.

Collins believes the club captain should stay put to get his future back on track.

“Matt’s had a tough time, but that’s football,” he added.

“He had a unbelievable season the one before and picked up every award going.

“He probably felt he was ready to go on and play at a higher level, and he probably was.

“The set-backs have knocked him a little but he’s still young enough and there is no reason he can’t come back and go again.

“A fully fit Matt Tootle would be a big plus for us.

“I was close to him when I was his youth team coach and I’ve said I think this is the best place for him to get going again.

“If he can get a good season there is no reason why he can’t go on.

“The decision for Ryan is a big one for him but as far as I’m concerned it’s a no brainer.

“He should sign his contract, play the games and if he keeps his head down he’ll get his move.

“That is a path that has been proven in the past and that’s how he should go.”

While League One rivals like Bury are splashing the cash, Crewe remain reliant on their long-standing philosophy.

“There’s no big benefactor that is going to come in,” continued Collins.

“But what we have got is a clear direction of how a club should be run and one that is going to be around in 15 to 20 years time.

“Towns like Crewe should have a club in the league and we need to try and push on and play as high as we can.”