12/05/2008 - Baker: Final-day flop acts as wake-up call
by Gwyn Griffiths
Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker admits the final-day hammering by Oldham should be the trigger for a summer squad overhaul at the Alexandra Stadium.
The Alex lost 4-1 to Oldham on May 3, which left Crewe's survival in the melting pot until the final whistle.
But with everyone bar keepers Ben Williams and Owain Fon Williams under contract for next season, the Alex management must look to move players on to make room for new recruits.
Baker admitted: "We need to put our cards on the table and our showing in the last game has hardened our outlook on how good our squad is.
"There are some big decisions to be made. And we need to work hard to get players in who can take us in the right direction."
So far, close-season work has been slow and a string of names have been dismissed, but Gretna goalkeeper Greg Fleming remains the likeliest capture.
Baker said: "It has been slow going so far. We have had a lot of calls and we get hundreds of players offered to us.
"But we need to get the right players in."
While the number one spot remains a priority, a centre-half, central midfielder, winger and a proven target man are also on the wish list.
"If I could find a centre-half with some organisation and character, a real leader, then I'd make room for him," said Alex coach Steve Holland.
"The midfield hasn't been very productive, so that needs to be addressed too.
"And we could do with a decent front player of some size and stature who could help us to get hold of the ball and who can score a goal or two.
"The final addition would be someone on the flank who could add to the goal tally as we've been dependent on one player."