Crewe's David Artell excited to work with Dario Gradi

David Artell helped Morecambe reach the play-offs in League Two last season

David Artell has said the opportunity to play under Dario Gradi was one of the main attractions of joining Crewe.

The defender, 29, signed a two-year contract with the Alex on Wednesday after being released by Morecambe.

"That was one of the biggest draws," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "It's not about money or personal glory.

"It's about learning from one of the best coaches in England. It's not an overestimation to say that, and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Artell helped the Shrimps to the League Two play-offs for the first time in their history last season, and admitted that he did leave the club with a heavy heart.

"On the one hand, I didn't particularly want to leave Morecambe," added Artell. "It's a fantastic club with great fans.

"But I spoke to Dario Gradi, he showed me round the place and he said the club matches my ambitions. That's the bottom line really.

"I haven't come here to make the numbers up or just pick up my money.

"This club shouldn't be in this division and the objective is to get out of it as soon as possible."

The former Rotherham, Mansfield, Shrewsbury and Chester man will be given the task of trying to sure-up a Crewe defence that conceded 73 goals in League Two last season.