Crewe goalkeeper Ben Williams has thanked the club for their faith in him after signing a new two-year deal.

The 23-year-old missed much of last season with viral meningitis, spending several weeks in a coma, but has worked his way back to fitness and has been rewarded with the new deal.

He told the club's official website: "I'm very pleased - it's been a difficult year, because (the illness) was something you couldn't really imagine or envisage.

"It will be a pleasure to repay the loyalty the club has shown to me. Everyone's been really supportive, and I can't thank them enough. We've got a great squad and it's a pleasure to be here."

He received a further boost when manager Dario Gradi named him as his first-choice stopper for the coming season.

Williams added: "It's not a given, it's something that has to be earned, but for him to show that sort of faith is a boost as it's good to know he doesn't see me as a risk. I still feel I have a lot to prove, and a solid season is what's needed now."