14/05/2008 - Crewe boss tells Fleming he'll be Alex number one
Crewe are hoping the promise of first-team football will help them lure Gretna keeper Greg Fleming to Gresty Road.
The 21-year-old Scottish junior international played his last game for the relegated Scottish Premier League outfit in last night's 1-0 defeat of Hearts.
Gretna are already in administration, and due to be wound-up at the weekend unless an 11th-hour backer emerges.
Fleming has already trained with Crewe, Oldham and Dundee United in his bid to find a new club.
But Crewe believe they could hold the aces as he would be understudy to veteran stopper Mark Crossley if he joined the Latics.
First team coach Steve Holland offered Fleming the number one slot at Crewe after out-of-contract keepers Ben Williams and Owain Fon Williams delayed agreeing new deals in the hope of finding better offers elsewhere.
Crewe are believed to have travelled north in a bid to persuade Fleming his future lies in Cheshire.
Meanwhile, Holland has challenged his young strikers Byron Moore and Shaun Miller to step up to the plate next season as he casts his net around for a proven hitman.
Stoke-born Moore made a rapid transition from youth to first-team football and was a regular starter last term until a string of loan signings later in the campaign forced him down the pecking order.
But the 19-year-old still managed to make 28 starts, scoring twice, and often looked to have real potential in a wing role.
In contrast, Miller, after breaking into the Alex side in 2006/2007, faded from view after some early-season involvement. The 20-year-old from Alsager made six starts, scoring one goal.
Holland said: "Byron and Shaun have got to step up next season.
"They've got to make progress. They had the opportunity this year and, to be fair, Byron didn't do badly.
"But to make a difference to our team in League One they have got to go again and we are hopeful they will be able to do that."