Bell won't go straight into my side!

Last updated : 10 January 2004 By Site Staff
Dario told anyone who's expected midfield Lee Bell to go straight into the first team, after returning from a loan at Shrewsbury, to forget it. Bell failed to make a start for Shrewsbury and was sent back early this season, after initially signing for a season.

Despite several injuries Dario says there is no chance Bell is going straight back into the first team:

"Shrewsbury got permission in the end to cancel the loan, that is their doing, not ours - we have not recalled Lee.

"He will probably strengthen us in the long-term, but I'm not quite sure what state of mind he is in.

"I can't understand anyone thinking he has a chance here if he hasn't been getting into the team at Shrewsbury - but Lee has returned to play for our reserve side,

"That is ridiculous and it doesn't suggest a player who can come into my first team and perform. We'll just have to let it settle down and see how it develops now with him."

Bell's future at Crewe seems uncertain, after failing to even get Shrewsbury's attention Bell finds himself behind Cochrane, Higdon, Robinson, Ian Jeffs & Billy Jones in the midfield, all of whom he would have been ahead of last season.