Tom Pope funds will help strengthen Alex squad (From Crewe Guardian)

Tom Pope funds will help strengthen Alex squad

8:30am Friday 12th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

GUDJOHN Thordarson insists funds from the shock sale of Tom Pope will be used to strengthen the squad.

Crewe decided to cash in on last season’s top scorer, offloading the 23-year-old forward to League Two rivals Rotherham United.

And the Alex boss says the £150,000 fee allows him room to manoeuvre as he looks to bring in players despite a tight budget.

However Thordarson reiterated that new strikers will not be a priority to his current rebuilding plans.

“We have got a bit of money (for Pope) and that gives me the opportunity to restructure my squad,” he explained.

“It gives me the freedom to see if I can strengthen.

“But I am still looking in other areas of the park because we already have a lot of forwards.”

Supporters expecting a raft of early summer activity have been left disappointed with only centre-half Patrick Ada arriving so far.

Thordarson believes he is right to bide his time.

“I have been speaking to players and some have been ready to sign,” he added.

“But I haven’t made up my mind on them.

“Nothing has been decided and I have to assess everything from a financial point of view.”

Danny Woodards confirmed his place in a mass Alex exodus by agreeing to join League One outfit MK Dons this week.

The 25-year-old defender snubbed a new contract in favour of moving back down South on a free.

Signed for £30,000 from Exeter in 2007, Woodards made 94 appearances for Crewe during a tough period in the club’s history.

Transfer listed for rejecting a contract offer by then-boss Steve Holland, he reappeared in an unorthodox midfield role during Dario Gradi’s caretaker stint.

Woodards went on to become a regular fixture under Thordarson as the Alex fell into the bottom tier last month.

“I’m relishing the chance to help them win promotion to the Championship,” said Woodards.

“I thought they should have done it last season.”

Chief scout Glyn Chamberlain is also on his way as part of the backroom team shake-up.

The 51-year-old leaves after four years at the club with Neil Baker expected to include those duties in a new role.

“It’s been a terrific place to work and I have gained valuable experience under Dario, Steve and Neil,” he explained.

“I do have confidence in my own ability and I hope someone else will give me an opportunity to do what I enjoy doing.”

Nantwich Town boss Steve Davis remains the favourite to become Thordarson’s new number two.

But any fresh developments are unlikely to materialise until the Iceman returns from his break later this month.

Crewe are set to find out where League Two life begin as fixtures for the new season are released next Wednesday, June 17.

The Carling Cup First Round draw will be made 24 hours earlier.

For full details, read next week’s Crewe and Nantwich Guardian.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)