Crewe Alexandra have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window compared to some of their league rivals. However, one of their permanent arrivals has the potential to be a leading player in League Two this season.
Reece Hutchinson has returned to the EFL following two years with League of Ireland outfit Sligo Rovers, where he developed his attributes to become an excellent full-back with all the traits required to stand out in League Two.
Reece Hutchinson Stars in Sligo Rovers’ Back Four
After displaying potential while at Burton Albion, the left-back spent six months without a club in 2021 before signing for Cheltenham Town. A subsequent loan spell to Sligo Rovers was converted into a permanent move, and it is here that the player transformed his game.
Reece Hutchinson represented the Bit O’Red 88 times and contributed 13 goal involvements. However, his defensive qualities were just as impressive as some of his attacking output. The defender ranked in the top five for interceptions and clearances for the Rovers, but it was his ability to face up to opposition wingers and win the ball back that defined his reliability as part of the back four.
Hutchinson averaged between 1.4 and 1.5 successful tackles per game; however, Crewe Alexandra supporters will be more encouraged by his offensive attributes. Despite an ever-changing back four, the left-back remained a consistent performer, highlighting that he has the mentality to succeed regardless of his surroundings.
Left-Back Stars in Offensive Transitions
The one outstanding quality possessed by the 25-year-old is his marauding runs to join the attack. He ranked in the top four at the Bit O’Red for successful dribbles in 2024 and 2025, and although he regularly ranked first for possession lost per game during his time at the club, the majority of this is in relation to the player taking risks in the final third to unlock opposition defences.
It is, however, an area for improvement that he should continue to develop if he is to play at a higher level.
Hutchinson had scored three goals and provided two assists in 22 League of Ireland Premier Division outings in 2025. He had become a fan favourite among supporters and was given a standing ovation after his last appearance in the 1-1 draw with Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
Only Owen Elding and William Fitzgerald created more big chances at Sligo Rovers in the current Premier Division campaign, with no player averaging a higher number of successful passes in the squad. At times, the team had struggled to break the lines and pass forward out of defence, but Reece displayed an excellent range of long passes.
He sits at the top of that metric in 2025 for Sligo Rovers, and his departure to Crewe Alexandra is a major blow for John Russell’s side, who are battling to beat the drop this season.
Crewe Alexandra Pull Off Shrewd Signing
The League Two side have already seen some of the player’s quality, as he played ninety minutes in their season-opening 3-1 win at Salford City. Deployed in his favoured left-back role, Reece made three tackles, recorded an impressive four key passes and completed 75% of his four crosses.
As displayed during his time in the League of Ireland, he lost possession on several occasions, but that was offset by his contributions in attacking transitions.
Crewe Alexandra have signed a top-class left-back, who could have arguably played at a higher level than League Two. The EFL side should be in the promotion picture, and their prospects have been boosted with the signing of Hutchinson, who arrived for an undisclosed fee after Crewe Alexandra activated the release clause in the player’s contract.
