by Michael Baggaley

CREWE boss Gudjon Thordarson believes non-league signings Patrick Ada and Mat Mitchel-King will bring crucial fighting spirit to the squad.

The pair have been recruited from Blue Square Premier side Histon on free transfers and are Thordarson's only signings of the summer so far.

He is hoping to strengthen further, but believes the pair – who can play in central defence or midfield – bring a willingness to battle, which is vital as Crewe adjust to life in League Two.

He says the fact both are trying to prove themselves in full-time football is also an advantage to the club.

He said: "They will challenge things in a different way to the players who have been here.

"It is important the players challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zones to see what they are capable of doing.

"We can't just wait and hope for something to happen, we have to make it happen.

"Those two players definitely have the desire to do that.

"Also, there won't be many who mess with them, either in the dressing room or out on the training ground.

"That is the type of player we need. We have to prepare ourselves for what will be required in the league."

Meanwhile, Thordarson says he can't offer Steve Collis any guarantees about his first-team future.

The keeper started last season as the club's number one under Steve Holland, but only made two appearances under Thordarson, who recruited John Ruddy on loan from Everton.

Ruddy's return to Goodison Park, coupled with the decision to release Stuart Tomlinson, leaves Collis and the inexperienced Adam Legzdins as Crewe's only two senior keepers.

Collis's agent, Rachel Anderson, says the player will ask for a loan move if he isn't playing regularly. However, Thordarson won't rule out signing a new keeper.

He said: "I have discussed all kinds of things behind the scenes and am just preparing myself for the best possible way.

"I think both keepers can improve. That position is a very important one."