The 26-year-old completed his protracted move to Cheshire on Thursday – having had second thoughts after initially rejecting a switch to Alex at the end of last month after being told his days were numbered at Elland Road.

Alex maintained their interest, having seen a six-figure bid accepted by Leeds, with United boss Gary McAllister keen to sell the ex-Stockport man, less than six months after he arrived at the club.

Elding – from a family of Whites fans – was largely in the wilderness at Leeds, starting just two games and featuring just nine times.

Having been starved of game time since the end of January, Elding is eager to show he still has what it takes on the scoring front after being out in the cold for the best part of half a season.

Elding, who plundered 24 goals in 45 league games at Stockport and fired 54 goals in three years between 2003 and 2006 at Stevenage, said: "I'm just looking to come here and hopefully make a statement, and show that I am capable.

"I think, first and foremost for me, it is about playing football.

"At the moment, that hasn't been happening, and hopefully Crewe can give me that opportunity."

"I'm aware there is good competition here and that is healthy. I'm not frightened of it at all. I know all about Nicky (Maynard) and Calvin (Zola). I've played against them both and they are both quality strikers, and me being added to the side can only be a positive."