Patrick Ada made 21 appearances in his first season with Crewe Alexandra

Crewe defender Patrick Ada is hoping to repay manager Dario Gradi for giving him a second chance at the club.

Ada was placed on the transfer list by Gradi in December, but is now back in favour and will start for the Alex against Hereford on Saturday.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "For me, it was make or break and maybe I needed that kick in the backside.

"I'm grateful for that and the only way I can repay them is to perform every week in the league games."

The 25-year-old was signed by Gudjon Thordarson in May 2009 and was a regular in the first team until the former Stoke City boss was sacked in October.

Following Gradi's return to as manager at the Alexandra Stadium, the former Histon defender found opportunities hard to come by and was made available for transfer.

However, Ada was brought back into the team for the final three matches of last season due to a series of defensive injuries.

He will start alongside new signing David Artell on Saturday and Ada believes he will benefit from playing with an experienced partner.

"I've already learned one or two things from him," continued Ada. "He's played so many games at this level and it's going to be good to play alongside him."

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