The Alex are not involved in match action this weekend due to the FA Cup Second Round program after losing to Cheltenham in Round One.

Convinced his side will benefit thoroughly from the physical & mental recuperation, Steve has opted to release his players for the weekend instead of planning extra training sessions, with the focus on putting a fully focused side onto the pitch against Crawley on December 10.

He said: "We can do some work on the training pitch over the next few weeks which we haven't been able to do due to the amount of games & we've also been been given the luxury of allowing them to have some time off.

"It's important that you prepare the players the best way you can in terms of the balance of rest & work on the training field to be ready for the next game - so that's what we're doing.

"We're in until Thursday this week, the lads will then have a few days off before we resume on Monday & then build up a normal week for the Saturday game."