Steve Collis has revealed that it was the Crewe Alexandra management team that convinced him that a move to Gresty Road was the best place for him. The former Southend United keeper will travel with his new team-mates to Bulgaria tomorrow and firmly believes that the Railwaymen are well equipped to have a much better season in League One.

Collis, who was in the Southend side for the first half of last season before unfortunately losing his place, feels the clubs blend of youth and experience could see the Alex turn the corner after such a disappointing campaign last time around.

Collis said: "I think League One will be tight again next year and there are a lot of strong teams around. Leeds and Leicester will probably start as favourites but there are a lot of clubs who could be up there challenging.

"I was lucky to have had a fairly successful season at Southend last season. We made it into the play-offs but ended up losing to Doncaster, who thoroughly deserved to go up in the end. We were second best over two legs and that just goes to show how tough it can become because Southend had only just come down from the Championship.

"It will be a tight league, but I'm sure Crewe will fair a lot better than last time around. There is a good mix here of youth and experience and everyone has worked very hard over the summer. You can see that everyone is determined to do a lot better this season.

"I was impressed with what the management team had to say to me and there plans for next season. They have brought in a few faces and after a few more yet.

"When anyone mentions Crewe, you instantly remember the likes of Dean Ashton, David Platt and Danny Murphy. The first name that came to mind for me was Dario Gradi and his standing in the game. That was one of the main reasons why I decided that Crewe was the best move for me."