David Artell says that our pre-season home game with Blackpool will provide a stern test ahead of the new season. The Alex will be hosting Gary Bowyer’s League One side ahead of the new campaign and the game should bring some old faces back to the Alexandra Stadium.

Our former Academy graduates, Kelvin Mellor, Max Clayton and Ollie Turton are all with the Seasiders and our former Youth coach Terry McPhillips is Assistant to Bowyer.

Artell told crewealex.net: “We have got a home game against Blackpool to look forward to. There will be some old faces coming back with Kelvin, Ollie and Max there. Terry McPhillips is the assistant manager there as well.

“One thing for sure, it will be a good test for us. They are a league higher and have some very good players. They enjoyed a good season and with a bit of luck they could have made the play-offs again.

“I wanted a proper test. Last season we were promised that and we ended up playing their Under-23s. It was massive let down for everyone and I wanted to avoid that.”