Crewe still have targets this season - Bell

Bell said he has had an initial chat with technical director Josh Kennard over plans for next season and a meeting with the club's board is scheduled to review the current campaign.

"We've spoken about the plans Josh has been working on and what it might look like," Bell said.

"[At] the meeting with the board, we'll hopefully get what budget we'll be working with and then the plan will really come into action because we want to keep some of the players that are here. It'll be important to tie that end up as quickly as possible."

Bell said the main thing he would like for 2026-27 is "more depth" to his squad.

"Imagine if we didn't have to release anybody but we could still add three, four professional players. That's what I think the next step is but we'll have to see where we're at with it at the end of April," he added.

Crewe need to 'bat smart' in summer window

Bell said the likely limited nature of his budget will mean he will again have to be inventive with signings.

"You have to bat smart, not be trigger happy right at the start of the transfer window," he said.

"I know people, as soon as the football is finished, that's what they're after. We have made some really good signings in the past but we'll try to get the best value for money.

"No-one's naive enough to think that players don't think about what could be if they get promoted. They shouldn't have any ceiling.

"They should always try to push themselves to be in a team that's trying to get where it wants to."