Return to Crewe Alexandra was 'perfect' for Lee Bell

Midfielder Lee Bell returned for his second spell at Crewe in May 2010

Lee Bell has said returning for a second spell at Crewe has proved to be a good move for his career.

"I never thought I would get the opportunity to come back to Crewe," midfielder Bell told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was just perfect for me. I'm trying to enjoy it, but at the same time be really professional and try and get this club out of this division."

Bell has been a regular in the Alex team that has risen to fifth in League Two after three consecutive wins.

The 27-year-old started his career at the Alexandra Stadium and returned in May after spells with Mansfield and Macclesfield.

He has only missed one league game this season and has often been named captain by manager Dario Gradi.

Victories against Northampton, Shrewsbury and Wycombe have lifted Crewe into the play-off places and they could move to within two points of an automatic promotion spot if they beat Torquay at Plainmoor on Tuesday.

Bell said making a 460-mile round trip on the day of a midweek game is not ideal, but added that it is something he has learned to adapt to.

"I'm afraid it's football," he said. "You just have to look after yourself and you're looked after as well people have ever been in football in this day and age, especially at Crewe.

"I could be going out to work with my dad at half past seven every morning. There will be no excuses. We're going to play a game of football and we should be looking forward to it."