Gradi wants defenders

Although the club is known for deploying products of their youth system in their first-team, Gradi is not keen on relying too heavily on youngsters especially at the back.

17-year-old George Ray was on the bench for Crewe's opening game of the season against Swindon on Saturday and although his veteran manager thinks highly of him, he would prefer more experience in his defence.

Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke: "Before the month is out, we'll sign somebody because we need the cover.

"Either that or George will impress enough but I'm loathe to have to rely on him, talented boy though he is."