09/05/2008 - Holland won't rule out loans
Steve Holland believes Crewe might still have to bank on loan signings next season.
The Alex coach, right, used 12 players from other clubs - six on longer-term deals - as he attempted to turn around a fraught 2007/2008 campaign.
Kenny Lunt, Dean Morgan and Steve Jones finished among the starting eleven when survival was secured on the final day, despite the 4-1 home defeat against Oldham.
But Holland is far from keen on repeating the trick and would prefer any loanees were only drafted in as emergency cover for the injured.
However, because he has plans to slim down his senior squad to 22, he accepts there may still be need to utilise the loan market.
"Ideally you would like to go through a season without any. If you can work with your own players and not have to waste the time we did trying to borrow various different players it is better," he explained.
"You can focus your energy in other areas. That would be the ideal preference, but given the size of the squad we are operating with they are always going to have an important part to play. Next season we will be down to six defenders, so we will only be a knock away from a problem.
"I think loan players will continue to play a part, but hopefully as more of a temporary fill-in rather than us having to rely on two or three of them to make a big difference to the team."
Meanwhile, Owain Fon Williams is believed to be among the list of potential keeper signings promoted Swansea have drawn up to improve their squad in readiness for a Championship campaign.
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins is reported to be keen on signing young Welsh players and there is likely to be a vacancy as second-choice keeper David Knight is expected to depart the Liberty Stadium.
Holyhead-raised Fon Williams has been offered a deal by Crewe, but has chosen to wait for other interest to emerge.