Crewe Alexandra defender Lewis Billington is targeting more goals and assists after signing a new three-year contract. The 22-year-old right-back told reporters this week he wants to build on a season where he started every League Two match.
Billington, who has made 113 appearances for the Alex, spent the summer analyzing his game. He said his understanding has grown significantly since last year. "I have thought about this in the last few weeks and I think I understand the game a lot better than I did even this time last season," Billington said. His development is a key part of Crewe's strategy, which fans can track via the club's stats page.
Lewis Billington knows his primary job is defending. But he has been challenged by player development manager Kenny Lunt to become the best right-back in the division. To meet that goal, Billington wants to add a consistent attacking threat. He aims to contribute more directly, whether through scoring, creating chances, or helping build attacking moves from deep. Improving his one-on-one defending and work within the defensive unit is also a priority for the coming campaign.
Billington's journey with Crewe began when he was just six years old. He made his senior debut aged 18 in April 2022, a game he admits he probably wasn't ready for. His confidence grew markedly 19 months later during FA Cup ties against Derby County, which he said felt like a deserved step up. Now an established figure, his new deal secures his place in the squad until 2029. His progression mirrors the club's focus on nurturing academy talent.
As a homegrown player entering his peak years, Billington is central to Crewe's immediate future. His durability last term, featuring in every league match, provides a reliable foundation for the defence. The club's league position and upcoming challenges are detailed on our standings page. His renewed commitment offers stability as the team looks to build on last season's platform. Managerial staff clearly see him as a player capable of growing further within their system.
The immediate focus is on translating his summer reflections into on-pitch performance. Billington has set a personal target of matching his appearance record from last season while adding more offensive numbers. Achieving that would mark a significant step in his evolution from a dependable defender to a complete full-back. His continued development will be watched closely as Crewe handles the new League Two season, with a busy schedule of fixtures ahead. The new contract provides the security for him to focus purely on his football.
