Clayton aims to fire Alex return (From Crewe Guardian)

Clayton aims to fire Alex return

6:50am Friday 5th June 2009

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CLAYTON Donaldson plans to be the man that fires Crewe to promotion next season.

The 25-year-old is aiming to be among League Two’s most lethal strikers and thus help the Alex bounce back at the first attempt.

Donaldson’s prolonged move from SPL side Hibernian proved to be a real set-back last summer.

He rarely got a look in with the man who signed him, ex-boss Steve Holland, before finally finding the net in November.

He said: “I want to get a full pre-season under my belt because I didn’t really have one last summer when I was at Hibernian.

“I wasn’t quite up with the others as far as my fitness was concerned when I came here and Crewe fans didn’t really see the best of me until after Christmas.

“But I believe I will have a better season next time and I’m determined to do so.”

Donaldson’s Alex career was revived after Holland was axed, winning a regular shirt under Gudjohn Thordarson and finishing up with seven goals.

“Gujohn has his own ideas and it should be an exciting time for all of us because it will be a fresh start,” added Donaldson.

“I’m sure players will be coming into the club and I think the supporters should be optimistic because I think we have the right man in charge to bounce back next season.”

Thordarson is looking for a lot more out of his glut of strikers signed largely signed during Holland’s reign.

Over £500,000 was spent acquiring Donaldson, Calvin Zola and Anthony Elding while nine-goal top scorer Tom Pope and Shaun Miller (seven) failed to win a regular shirt.

The Alex boss has ruled out recruiting an experienced striker with other priorities essential in a tight budget.

"A proven goalscorer will cost money that is not available," he explained.

"Last season, they spent quite a lot on strikers who didn't deliver on a regular basis."

Injuries hampered the majority of them and Thordarson believes his new regime will help.

"We have loads of strikers and I need to make sure they are all fit and healthy," he added.

"If some movement takes place in the squad I could reconsider my options.

"But the priority for me now is to get the central defenders sorted.

“I've already got full-backs and I have a lot of striking options."

Thordarson is sure an emphasis on fitness will help him operate with a reduced squad of around 20 to 22 players.

"I know I can get away with a smaller squad if I improve the fitness," he continued.

"If you're going to carry a squad of 30 players, you have to spend money on 30 players, but it means you can't spend on the quality you are after.

“But I want to make sure I still have some funds to go for experienced players."

*STEVE Davis has confirmed his interest becoming Thordarson’s assistant at Crewe.

The former Alex player is believed to be in the frame after his stunning success with neighbours Nantwich Town.

“I’ve spoken to my chairman and he knows I am ambitious,” explained Davis.

“I want to test myself at a higher level.

“I’ve made that clear, whether that be at Crewe or somewhere else.”

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