Gudjon Thordarson admits prospective signings are put off by the offer of League Two football.
Alex boss admits players put off by offer of League Two football
Crewe Alexandra manager Gudjon Thordarson has admitted that prospective signings are put off by the fact that the club will be playing in League Two next term.
The Railwaymen struggled for form this season and were ultimately relegated from League One after finishing third bottom and four points from safety.
Thordarson was determined to get his squad in place for next season as quickly as possible but with players not looking to commit their future so soon after the end of the campaign the Crewe boss has been left frustrated.
Despite a number of setbacks the former Stoke City chief reveals that two signings could yet be announced before the end of the week.
"I knew it was going to be difficult," he told the club's
official website.
Dropping down
"I've spoken to a few players who want to stay in League One and two or three in the Championship but they don't fancy dropping down.
"Maybe I'm looking for too much quality for the salaries I can pay, so I might have to settle for something else.
"A few players are considering their options but most are waiting to see what they are going to get."
One man who could be unveiled as a Crewe player this week could be defender Dennis Lawrence.
The 34-year-old impressed at the heart of the Alex defence despite their relegation following his seven-month loan from Swansea City.
Lawrence is currently a free agent after being released by the Swans at the end of the season and the player's agent Mike Berry reveals that he has already held initial talks with Thordarson.
"Crewe have been in contact to have a chat and Dennis is very keen to join the club because he enjoyed his time there and has a lot of respect for Gudjon Thordarson.
"We talked about a contract and they said they would come back to us within the next week. I would say Crewe have first refusal on him. The ball in now in their court."
Budget boost
Meanwhile Thordarson's transfer budget could be given a huge boost by the sale of defender John Brayford.
The 21-year-old only joined the club last September from Burton but has been linked with a £500,000 move to Derby County where he would link up with former manager Nigel Clough.
"Derby put in an offer but more than one club is interested in him," Thordarson explained.
"There is a question of whether it is better to keep him in-house and make him a better player. But I have got a certain value in mind.
"John has been excellent and it doesn't surprise me there is interest in him. He is a very, very committed player who is capable of playing in the Championship."
