Blanchett is ready to become a more attacking full-back at Crewe

Crewe Alexandre’s 3-3 draw with Torquay United last weekend means Dario Gradi’s side have conceded 17 goals in 11 League Two games.

But left-back Danny Blanchett believes that he is ready to offer more of an attacking threat after establishing himself in the team.

Blanchett has played all eleven league games since Gradi signed him on a free transfer this summer.

The 23-year-old was released by Peterborough at the end of last season, and Blanchett is being encouraged to improve his forward play by Gradi.

“He (Gradi) wants me to improve my quality around the box,” said Blanchett, “he likes full-backs to get forward and produce good deliveries.”

“You get to know your players better so you know when to go and when not to go and I think it’s going well.”

Except the League Two table would suggest that it’s not going as well as Blanchett believes, Crewe are 15th and without an away win this season – they are 40/1 to win League Two.

Crewe have conceded 10 goals in their last three games and it would seem that Gradi should be focusing on improving the defending and not encouraging their attacking play.

Chasetown’s 17-year-old defender Jack Farmer has been handed a week’s trial at Crewe in the hope of impressing, and Farmer has been ever-present in the non-league’s start to the season.

“He has been ever present this season and has been outstanding,” said Chasetown manager Charlie Blakemore.

“He has a great attitude and I am certain he will progress to play League football.”

Despite being so young, Farmer’s ability has already alerted many Football League clubs and Crewe are ready to offer the youngster a chance of League Two action.

He may turn out to be the answer to Dario Gradi’s defensive troubles.

Port Vale are 7/2 favourites to win League Two. See the full League Two football betting odds market here.