Crewe sign Bolton wing-back Conway on loan

Max Conway spent the second half of last season on loan with National League side AFC Fylde

Crewe Alexandra have made their eighth summer signing by bringing in Max Conway on a season-long loan from League One club Bolton Wanderers.

The 20-year-old left wing-back, who can also play at full-back, will be making his third loan move, having previously been at Rochdale and AFC Fylde.

He follows the arrival of defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, striker Kane Hemmings, Cambridge United's Jack Lankester and the experienced Omar Bogle, Leyton Orient midfielder Max Sanders, Bristol Rovers defender James Connolly and Aston Villa keeper Filip Marschall.

Conway will be in boss Lee Bell’s squad for Saturday's season opener at Barrow.

Analysis - BBC Radio Stoke's Graham McGarry on Crewe Alexandra 2024-25

Last season the Crewe chairman predicted his team would reach the League Two play-offs. They did just that before being beaten in the play-off final by Crawley.

While the hierarchy will be hoping that Lee Bell's side can go one better this time around, it would mean once again them being one of the division's overachievers.

Bell has lost several influential players this closed season, which has forced him into a rebuilding job ahead of the big kick-off at Barrow.

The manager himself has been busy in the window with eight newcomers arriving.

If those new recruits gel with the group of talented homegrown players they already have at their disposal then Crewe can once again be among the teams chasing at least a top-seven finish.

Matus Holicek is one of a number of youngsters the club has high hopes for, and with the teenager now having gained valuable game time last season, his attacking potential could be what's needed in Crewe's bid for a return to League One.

Follow all Crewe Alexandra games this term on BBC Radio Stoke 94.6FM DAB & Freeview 715