22/07/2008 - Buxton's future to be decided
by Graham Tong
CREWE will decide whether to offer a deal to trialist centre-back Jake Buxton after tonight’s game at Wrexham (7.30pm).
Buxton, who was released by Mansfield Town this summer after their relegation to the Conference, has been training with the Alex for 10 days.
The 23-year-old impressed Crewe’s coaching staff in last week’s 4-1 friendly win at Quorn.
And with the club keen to make a swift decision on his future, the Wrexham game will be his last chance to earn a contract offer – with more trialist defenders set to arrive this week.
Eddie Johnson, a 23-year-old striker who scored twice at Quorn, is remaining on trial for a longer spell.
Crewe assistant boss Neil Baker said: “Our pre-season will really start against Wrexham. The players can expect a competitive game and we’re looking forward to it.
“For us, it will be another chance to look at Jake Buxton and Eddie Johnson, and it will be a good test for them. We’ll sit down and talk with Jake soon after the game. He’s done well so far, but we’ll have to see what happens.”
Prolific striker Nicky Maynard is set to line up alongside Johnson tonight after recovering from injury.
The 21-year-old sat out last week’s friendlies at Quorn and Biddulph with a shin problem, but has since returned to training and has been declared fit to start.
He is one of four players who have boosted first team coach Steve Holland’s options following minor injuries.
Defender George Abbey (back), along with midfielders Michael O’Connor (groin) and Ben Rix (hamstring), are also back in training and could feature at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.
Full-back Danny Woodards, who is transfer-listed after snubbing a contract extension, is out with an ankle problem.
Crewe then return to action in a behind-closed-doors game against Manchester City at the Premier League side’s training ground tomorrow.