There may be more

The Alex boss was buoyant after finally bringing in both his prime target and a new number one this week.

Calvin Zola and Steve Collis are on board to hopefully spark a new era of success down Gresty Road.

Although about £400,000 may not be a huge amount in today’s market, it is for Crewe and makes them one of the biggest investors in League One for the new season.

And the buck might not stop there.

“We’ve signed four now and I don’t think that will be the end of it,” explained Holland.

“We’re still looking and we’ve got another two months.

“It’s conceivable that there will be another couple more in and out.

“We’ve spent nearly £400,000 and it’s not a bottomless pit.

“But I’m still not happy with the team yet.

“We’ve got to look at our own and see if they’ve improved.

“We’ve also got six 19-year-olds training alongside the first-team this year and I think they’re all talented.”

Speculating to accumulate isn’t an immediate priority either.

“I’m only interested in improving the team and winning some games at this stage,” continued Holland.

“We’re determined to have a better season than last year.”

Holland believes his new additions will make a difference.

“I’m really pleased to have signed the three we have in the last week,” he continued.

“With Ben (Williams) leaving, bringing in Steve was important.

“On all accounts he was a bit unlucky to lose his place last season and he is tried and trusted at this level.

“Calvin is too and will hopefully make an immediate impact.

“Joel (Grant) may take a bit of time to settle in but he’s a player I think we’ll all enjoy.

“I think the issues in January clouded the situation.

“We had an incredible series of events and I wouldn’t want to do business again in that month.”

Eddie Johnson’s arrival on trial is sure to spark some debate among Alex supporters.

Having spurned Crewe twice over the years, the former Academy forward wants a chance to bury the hatchet once again.

The 23-year-old is on the look-out for a new club after being released by Bradford this summer.

“We had Eddie’s agent on and Me, Dario and Neil sat down briefly to discuss the possibility,” said Holland.

“It was decided that we didn’t think it was a good idea on the basis that he had two chances he hadn’t taken and decided to move on.

“While I was away on holiday Eddie took the unusual step of appearing at Dario’s house with his mum and made an emotional plea for a last chance.

“He’s a young man who has admitted to making two decisions that had both gone wrong.

“Given his desire to put a wrong right, we decided to give him a trial.

“We know he has ability and he’s not the first player to decide to go for more money and get it wrong.

“So we’ve decided to aproach it with more of an open mind.

“You have to consider the effect on the dressing room but it also shows one or two that the grass isn’t always greener.

“We’d only be interested in him as a centre-forward.”