The Crewe Preview

SIX long months ago, Argyle kicked-off their Sky Bet League Two campaign and the Ryan Lowe era with an outstanding 3-0 victory at Crewe Alexandra.

Since then, both sides have experienced more ups than downs, meaning it will be fourth hosting second at Home Park today and the Argyle boss has great admiration for the work done by his Crewe counterpart David Artell and assistant manager Kenny Lunt.

The Alex are a familiar club to Ryan and his assistant Steven Schumacher, as both men spent time at Gresty Road as players and have huge respect for the famed Crewe model of developing young talent to play attractive football.

“For us, it was a great start and Crewe have obviously turned the corner and the second-best team in the league as it stands right now,” said Ryan.

“They’re doing a great job, Kenny and Dave, along with the youngsters coming through the Academy, which me and Schuey know about and have been a part of. A couple of my players have been a part of it as well.

“We know it’s going to be a tough ask but they’re coming to our home turf, where we’ve only lost twice all season and they’ll be saying the same things about us because the mutual respect from both managers is there, and both clubs.

“Everyone knows what I think of Crewe and I know what they think of me, so it will be interesting and I’m looking forward to a good game of football, played on the floor. It is two good teams locking horns for three points.

“They made me a better player, I’ve got great admiration for the football club and it does hold a good place in my heart because of what they did for me and the way they play football.

“They certainly made me a better player and I would’ve thought they made Schuey a better player as well. They’ve got a fantastic model, a fantastic owner and they’ve recruited from within, giving Dave and Kenny a chance.

“They do it the right way, coaching the kids to make them better and prepared for league football. It’s been proven over the years and I’m pleased for them. I’m over the moon they are reaching the heights of League Two but, ultimately, I’ll wish them all the best after Saturday.

“I will always be looking out for them but, come Saturday, it will be all about Argyle. It’s no surprise where they are, they give the kids a chance and that’s what they do. They’ve got a good brand of football and we wish them all the best after Saturday.”