The Danger Men: Crewe Alexandra

Last updated : 03 October 2006 By Mark Gilmore

“THE HITMAN”


Name: Ryan Lowe

Position: Striker

Date of birth: 18/09/78

Previous clubs: Chester, Shrewsbury, Burscough

Squad number: 16

Games played: 11

Goals scored: 6
Goals/Game ratio: 0.54 goals a game


Ryan Lowe is an old-fashioned, physical centre forward with a firm and powerful shot that is not too dissimilar to former Gills player Tommy Johnson
. Described by manager Dario Gradi as the club's ‘best finisher', he scored a hat-trick during Saturday's 5-1 victory over Carlisle and looks in impressive form.


Lowe is a new signing at Gresty Road, after scoring 10 goals for Chester last season. Despite fierce competition for places he is beginning to make the attacking role his own and can take a good penalty if required.


With leading scorer Nicky Maynard limping off towards the end of their last game we can expect Gradi to stick with Ryan Lowe, who has the ability to cause us many problems.



“THE BAD BOY”

Name: Neil Cox

Position: Central Defender

Date of birth: 8/10/71

Previous clubs: Cardiff, Watford, Bolton, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Scunthorpe

Squad number: 6

Games played: 9

Yellow cards: 1

Red cards: 0

Cards/Game ratio: 0.11 cards a game


Club skipper Neil Cox attracted attention last Saturday for arguing with manager Dario Gradi during the clubs' 5-1 win over Carlisle. The spat arose after a disagreement over tactics and it is still unclear whether the two leading club figures managed to resolve their differences.


The vocal and commanding centre-back is vastly experienced having played with Premiership sides Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Bolton. Although only picking up the one yellow card this season, the 6”0 defender will be a formidable and physical force in defence.


Whether he has the pace to keep up with Matt Jarvis is another question though!



“THE STOPPER”

Name: Ben Williams

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of birth: 27/08/82

Previous clubs: Altrincham (loan), Chesterfield (loan), Manchester Utd

Squad number: 1

Games played: 13

Goals conceded: 18

Clean sheets: 4

Goals conceded/Game ratio: 1.38 goals a game


Ben Williams began his career on the youth books of Man Utd before being signed by Dario Gradi in 2004 after several loan outings. He has established himself as the number one keeper at Gresty Road despite battling viral meningitis last season.


A shaky start to life in League One was short-lived and Crewe's developing side have improved greatly. If their home record is anything to go by, Gills can expect a tough time on Saturday. Crewe have won their last 5 games at Gresty Road, conceding only two goals and scoring 13. Ben Williams will have a big part to play if Crewe want to keep this impressive home record.