19/07/2008 - Holland: Alex better off... But transfer business is not over yet
Steve Holland is convinced his summer spending has laid the foundations for improvements in 2008/2009.
The Alex coach says he still has cash in the coffers to make further signings and the number one priority is a dominating centre-half.
Potentially another frontman might also be on the shopping list, particularly if hopes of holding on to the sought-after Nicky Maynard fade.
But for now, Holland is delighted he has been able to resolve five critical areas of his squad which were in need of fresh blood.
Key signing Calvin Zola has added height and speed up front, while the acquisitions of keepers Steve Collis and Adam Legzdins were essential after the departures of Ben Williams (Carlisle) and Owain Fon Williams (Stockport).
Holland was also looking for a greater impact out wide and Joel Grant, recruited from League Two newcomers Aldershot, has hinted he is an exciting talent in his two warm-up games to date.
Most recent recruit, Jake Livermore, a six-month loanee from Tottenham has also displayed the attributes to provide an engine as well as a goal threat in the middle of the park.
"As we stand now we're better equipped than last season," insisted Holland.
"We've got better players than we had this time last year. The ones we've signed will give us a better chance and those that were here last year should be that bit better than we were.
"We've had to replace the two keepers, while we were looking for a big, mobile striker with a proven record, as well as a winger.
"We also wanted an athletic midfield player who could get about the pitch.
"Thankfully, we have managed to do all that, but now we are still looking at the heart of the defence. The abiding memory this summer was the way we lost to Oldham in the last game and we want to do something about it before it is too late.
"That is a bit more complicated than the other adjustments we have made as both Chris McCready and Danny O'Donnell have had good spells in the team, usually playing alongside Julien Baudet.
"We had more clean sheets last year than we have had, but were capable of having one of those days like Oldham.
"There needs to be a significant improvement at the back, mentally more than anything or we will need to look at that. Our current boys are equipped, but inconsistent."
The purchases of Zola and Grant have taken £330,000 in fees out of the budget Holland was handed by the club's directors when they realised the purse strings needed to be loosened to prevent a repeat of last term's alarming flirtation with relegation from League One.
Despite the signings, the bookies are steadfastly refusing to improve Crewe's odds and they are regarded more outsiders for the drop than the top six.
"Neil Baker tells me Ladbrokes aren't too keen on us, but we will go into the new campaign with our eyes wide open and quite determined to surprise one or two people," said Holland. "There is more money, but we have dealt with the areas we needed to the best we could given the budget.
"We have still got the capability of doing something, although it won't be significant. It's not a case of picking the six players who are going to improve the team, there is a balancing act that was needed," added the coach, who may have more room for manoeuvre if transfer-listed duo Gary Roberts and Danny Woodards depart before the end of August.
Livermore, aged 18, made an instant mark in his debut at Quorn on Tuesday night and Holland feels he won't take long to bed in at senior level, although his experience so far has been restricted to reserve-team football at Spurs and five substitute appearances for the MK Dons last March.
"Jake is here until January and we are really pleased he wanted to come. Tottenham were keen for him to come after Lee Barnard's loan spell here last season," noted Holland. "He is a category A player who they hope will play in their team. He's a super athlete who can play and he has got a record of scoring some goals."
Holland's expectations are not just reserved for his new recruits. He hopes his own pool of young talent, yet to really string together a consistent run in the first team, will emerge this year.
Ireland international Michael O'Connor has shown up strongly in pre-season, while striker Shaun Miller, largely forgotten last season, has returned with seemingly fresh vigour.
"It is still a young, inexperienced squad, but one of the benefits is you can get improvement from them.
"Michael O'Connor is looking stronger and is ahead in the running, which he wasn't usually.
"Shaun Miller has also gone on and physically he looks stronger. He has got all the attributes and it is just a case of putting them all together as mentally his decision-making isn't all it should be.
"He will be more of a force this year. While last season we were scrambling around looking for strikers, we won't be next. Miller will either play or he will be the next one in.
"Then we have a whole host of young players, such Byron Moore, Mark Carrington and James Bailey, who we have seen an improvement in physically and we hope they can push on this season."
