The club’s first team coach, Alex Morris, believes that tackling Blackpool in our final pre-season encounter this weekend will be a good barometer of where we are. Crewe face the League One side at Gresty Road in what will be our only home friendly and Morris says that the starting XI will be close to the one that starts against Morecambe on the opening day a week later.

The coach suggests that certain places are still up for grabs with the squad two-players strong in most positions.

Morris told crewealex.net: “It is no secret that most clubs play close to their strongest team in their final pre-season friendly. I’m sure we will be close to that and it is our first home friendly, so it will be good for the fans to come and have a look at our Stadium.

“It will be a good challenge. Blackpool are a league above and will be a strong test. It will be a good indication of where we are and it is a good fixture to have ahead of Morecambe the following week.”