Steve aims to give the majority of his squad a run-out in first friendly.

Steve Davis has told crewealex.net that the majority of his squad will receive game time against Buxton FC on Friday evening. Crewe Alexandra begin their pre-season campaign at the Silverlands Ground and Davis says he will use the opening friendly to give his players 45 minutes each.

Crewe then travel to Kidsgrove on Monday night with Steve revealing that the majority of that starting XI will be made up of the club’s Development Squad with a sprinkling of senior players.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We will split the teams of Friday to give the players 45 minutes each. I think that is about right for this stage of the pre-season.

“Monday’s team will contain younger players but we will also use it to give those who may need a bit more game time.

The boss added: “We then have Wolves on the following Friday, so that will have to be a stronger team. I’m sure the players will be looking forward to getting back and playing. They know the challenge ahead and they know it is going to be a long, tough season.”