Crewe Alexandra have had a tricky time of it in recent weeks, and they continue to sink lower and lower down the League Two table. 

They have now lost their last four matches in all competitions and their previous two in the league, piling the pressure on manager David Artell.

Artell made 82 appearances for Crewe as a player between 201o and 2012 before being appointed as the club's head coach in January 2017.

He guided them clear of relegation that season as he won four of his first five games in charge.

In the 2017/18 campaign, Crewe finished comfortably clear of the drop-zone largely thanks to a strong finish.

On the final day of last season, he notably selected a starting XI that was entirely made up of graduates from the club's famously productive youth academy.

But now the board may be keeping an eye on potential candidates to replace Artell if this slump continues.

Here are three options they could look at...

Harry Kewell is a name that immediately springs to mind.

After recently being sacked as Notts County boss, the Australian will be determined to rebuild his reputation as soon as possible.

It is possible that the size of the County gig was too much too soon for him and Crewe could be the perfect place for him.

Michael Jolley has done a great job with Grimsby Town to get them back into the second tier and make them a competitive outfit.

But it may be the case that a new challenge is desired for him to make the next step as a manager.

With the promising youth squad at his disposal, it could be too good an opportunity for him to turn down.

Justin Edinburgh struggled with Gillingham when he made the move to Priestfield but has rebuilt his reputation with Leyton Orient in the National League.

The Os are in a promising position, but the former Newport boss could be tempted by a shortcut back to the Football League.