Steve Collis made 26 appearances for Southend last season.

Crewe Alexandra have signed goalkeeper Steve Collis after the 27-year-old was released by Southend United.

The former Nottingham Forest man has signed a two-year deal at Crewe and will become the club's first-choice keeper after Ben William's departure.

Coach Steve Holland told BBC Radio Stoke: "We won't be worrying if he can make the grade because he's done it in the past.

"He's calm with a good presence so we're sure he will fit the bill well."

Crewe have been in the market for two goalkeepers as Owain F�n Williams has also indicated his intention to follow Ben Williams out of the Alexandra Stadium.

With the experience of Steve and the potential of Adam I think we've handled the situation well Crewe boss Steve Holland on his new keepers

Collis' decision to join the Railwaymen comes after Birmingham City youth team keeper Adam Legzdins signed a two-year deal in June.

"I was happy with Ben and Owain but both elected to leave" said Holland.

"We had to bring two goalkeepers in which we managed to do before the start of pre-season training. With the experience of Steve and the potential of Adam I think we've handled the situation well."

Ben Willams made the move to Carlisle United last week but Holland says the future of Owain F�n Williams remains unclear.

"I haven't seen or heard from Owain F�n Williams all summer and he didn't attend training yesterday.

"We've been waiting to hear from a club saying he is going to sign but that hasn't happened yet.

"We will have to sit down in the next couple of days and decide how to handle the situation. Maybe now July has begun we will hear that he has signed for a club and we can get on and agree a compensation fee."