Football Season Guide

The Railwaymen will be looking forward to the 2017/18 season in the hope of consigning a miserable 2016/17 campaign to the history books. Former Alex player David Artell has been in charge since being appointed manager in January and will want to improve on a lowly 17th place finish. He has faced a testing first close season in management with several players out of contract and he has been unable to hold on to the defensive trio of Ben Nugent, Jon Guthrie and Ollie Turton, who have all rejected offers of new deals to try their luck elsewhere. The latter missed just one league game last season and will be a significant loss. Goalkeeper Ben Garratt, who was ever-present between the sticks and defenders George Ray and Perry Ng have all signed new deals but Artell has faced frustration in the transfer market as he looks to strengthen his squad. He had some early success having pulled off the coup of re-signing striker Chris Porter from Colchester United, where he was leading goalscorer. He is likely to partner experienced striker Chris Dagnall in attack, having also finished as leading goalscorer for Alex. Striker Jordan Bowery’s loan move from Leyton Orient has now been made permanent and they appear to have plenty of goals in the building. Defender Michael Raynes will bring plenty of experience after signing from Carlisle United whilst midfielder Brad Walker will be hoping to make his mark after joining from relegated Hartlepool United. The club still have a reputation for giving young players their chance to play first-team football and then selling them on to bigger clubs for profit. Their latest prodigy is winger George Cooper, who is likely to attract interest having impressed in a breakthrough season. With modest resources at Gresty Road, the Railwaymen will always have to punch above their weight but look like they will be heading in the right direction in 2017/18.