Crewe Alex: move will suit me, says Green

NEW loan capture Stuart Green insists he is best suited to Crewe's traditional footballing ways after being beached by Blackpool.

The former Hull and Crystal Palace player, who has been signed on an initial one-month loan, drops straight into the Alex midfield for today's vital home clash with Leyton Orient.

The attacking midfielder has played just once for the Championship side this term and has been confined to just seven appearances since a free transfer switch from Palace last January.

It is believed Tangerines boss Simon Grayson will try to offload him in the transfer window.

"I've not played a lot of football over the last year," admitted Green.

"I was at Crystal Palace, but things didn't happen for me there and the style of play at Blackpool perhaps hasn't suited me.

"But Crewe are a footballing club and it is perfect for me because they get the ball down and play. If I can play at the level I am capable of then this should be a good move for me."

The 27-year-old, who once hit a winner against Crewe in March 2006, built a reputation for goals in his four-year spell at Hull.

"I've not just come here to improve my fitness, I want to improve certain aspects of my game and score some goals. I know there are some important games coming up for Crewe," added the midfielder.

With Steve Schumacher ruled out for six weeks after ankle surgery, Steve Holland was also bidding to add another midfielder to his ranks before today's clash.

"It's not been easy recruiting experienced players who are still athletic enough to improve us, so we are pleased to sign Stuart.

"He's got a couple of hundred games under his belt and has an eye for goal," said the Crewe coach, who was further boosted by the signature of Tom Pope, left, on a new two-year contract.

The striker, who should be recalled to the attack today, saw his terms improved after stalling on the club's first offer.

Holland said: "We made a couple of adjustments and Tom was happy to sign.

"He's a player who encapsulates what the club is about as he has worked very hard to improve his game."

TEENAGE striker A-Jay Leitch-Smith has been loaned out to UniBond League outfit Halifax.