MIDFIELDER Brad Inman has vowed to repay Crewe after signing a three-year deal.

Boss Steve Davis finally got his man this week when a fourth and final offer of compensation was accepted by Premier League club Newcastle United – believed to be around the £100,000 mark with add-ons and a 25 per cent sell-on clause.

Relieved to see a two-month wait reach a successful conclusion, the 21-year-old insists his heart was always set on Gresty Road.

“No matter what happened I wanted to come to Crewe,” he said.

“There may have been other interest, but I didn’t look into it because I had my mind set.

“If you’re welcomed at a club it can help and I’ve already told the gaffer I owe him one so hopefully I can do it for him and the fans on the pitch.”

After bagging eight goals in last season’s stunning loan stint, Inman will go straight into the squad to face Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Davis hailed his arrival.

“Credit to the chairman and directors backing me,” he explained.

“We have kept it within the means of the club and this is a great signing for us.

“Brad will strengthen the team and he’s a great asset for the future if he can develop in the way we think he can.

“He’s shown great courage to come to League One after being offered a contract at a Premier League club.

“Not many aged 21 would be able to see the bigger picture.”

Having picked up a first victory against Tranmere Rovers at the weekend, the Alex travel to face the surprise league leaders with confidence.

However Davis admits Orient will be tough.

“They were a promising side last year and they’ve made some good additions,” he added.

“They finished strongly last season and carried on their form.

“[Manager] Russell [Slade] has some very talented players and a decent budget.

“I know what he pays players because we were offered one in the summer and we couldn’t get anywhere near, “We’ll look at how we can hurt them, exploit their weaknesses.

“I have to put out a team that is willing to fight, roll up their sleeves up and have a go.”

Crewe should to be unchanged with only Mathias Pogba ruled out with a long-term injury.

The Alex will begin the defence of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, September 3.