by Gwyn Griffiths

NEW Crewe Alex manager Gudjon Thordarson today declared himself delighted to be back in English football ... but admitted he faces a massive task saving his new side from relegation.

The former Stoke City boss arrived at Crewe’s Reaseheath training complex today to take over from caretaker manager Dario Gradi.

Thordarson was quickly down to business with Gradi, discussing plans for Saturday’s third round FA Cup trip to Millwall.

While Gradi was due to oversee training, Thordarson, who has just returned from spending Christmas in his native Iceland, will select the side for the Millwall clash.

Gradi, meanwhile, is soon due to depart for a short break.

“I’m pleased and honoured to be back in England and I’m looking forward very much to it,” said 53-year-old Thordarson.

“It will be a hard task, but there is a chance. I have seen the league and some of the teams that we need to chase.

“We are facing a mini league of eight or nine teams who are threatened with relegation and I honestly believe we can come out on top.”

During his three years at Stoke, from 1999 until 2002, Thordarson was renowned for delving into the Scandinavian market.

However, he stressed he would focus first on the domestic transfer scene in a bid to strengthen Crewe during the transfer window.

He explained: “The problem will not be bringing players in, it will be who and what kind of player we shall bring in.

“We’ll have to asses that, but I have already spoken to a few people.

“I know a lot of people in football and I have already been in touch with a few of my friends. It will be down to what deals we can cut.”

Thordarson’s last managerial posting in England was with Notts County in the 2005-2006 season, when current Crewe skipper Julien Baudet was also his captain.

Since then he has served a fourth stint at his home town club IA Akranes, where he relied almost exclusively on homegrown players.

Thordarson said he was excited by the prospect of working with Crewe’s youngsters and the long-serving Gradi.

“I will let Dario do what he is doing, but I need to get on with what I am facing,” he added.

“He knows what the club is all about. He knows the youngsters and the team and it will be a great help having Dario in the backroom.”