Steve Davis says everyone has been looking forward to the opening game ever since the fixtures came out.

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis believes that a local derby against Port Vale is the perfect way to kick off the new season. The Alex boss says that the club’s new summer arrivals and the fact that Port Vale have seven former Crewe Alexandra players in their squad will only provide an extra edge to the occasion.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “I think it is a great game to start the season with. I think to have Port Vale coming to our ground for the opening game is wonderful for the supporters and everyone associated with both clubs.

“There will be a lot of expectation on the first day of the season and facing Port Vale will only add to that because everyone knows what it means to both groups of supporters.

“We enjoyed the better of the derby games last season but that doesn’t count for anything. It is a different season with different players. There are a number of former Crewe players in their squad and we know them better than anyone. We know their strengths and weaknesses and so do our players.

Steve added: “It is a big one to start with and the atmosphere should be great again. The Vale have sold out their allocation and our supporters always come out in force for this one, so it should be a good crowd.”