Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has told the club’s official website that he has placed ownership back on the players when it comes to their fitness.

The Alex boss has been pleased with the response of his players to come back to pre-season in shape but he has also stressed that it is their own career they are responsible for.

Artell told Crewealex.net: “We have been pleased, the players have come back in shape and are ready for the tough work. There are one or two who will find it tough and they will be helped along with extra sessions.

“Most of the players have been in twice a week over the summer and that really helps. It helps tick them over and puts those who really buy into it ahead of the curve.

“We probably have the most important week or ten days ahead of us now in terms of the basis of their fitness. This will give them the foundation for the next nine months.

“I’ve told the players, it is not my career, so it is there call. If they are not fit enough or not in shape then don’t blame me. If they are not playing and out of the team for those reasons then don’t blame me.

“We can only facilitate for them to be as fit as they can be or want to be and the rest is down to them.”