Full-back on why the real business starts this Saturday

Matt Tootle says that all the pre-season matches are only in readiness for this weekend’s opener against Rotherham United. Steve Evans’ Millers visit Gresty Road this coming Saturday and will provide an intriguing test for the Railwaymen following their promotion from League Two last season.

Crewe have recently been on the receiving end of friendly defeats to a strong looking Aston Villa side and an Nani-inspired Manchester United XI, but Tootle says nothing can be read too much into pre-season games.

Ahead of the opener, Tootle told crewealex.net: “Pre-season is important because it gives you a solid base of fitness and we have been working hard throughout the summer to make sure we are ready for the start.

August.^rd“We have had a number of double sessions and crammed in a lot of games over the last month. It is all about making sure we are match fit for the 3

“Although some of the performances or results have not been as good as we would have liked, the most important thing is that we haven’t suffered too many injuries along the way and that we have all been able to get game time.

“The most important game is the Rotherham game and then the one after that. It is getting close now and as a player and supporter it is something you always look forward to.”