David Artell says that the recent funeral of club driver Barry Daly reflects the high regard everyone had for him.

David Artell says that the recent funeral of Barry Daly reflects what a football family we have at Crewe Alexandra.

The service was attended by hundreds and there were a number of first team players, past players, staff and supporters all in attendance to show their gratitude to the club’s long serving driver.

Daly, 62, passed away just days after transporting the Crewe boss and his family to the airport for their summer break. He was scheduled to pick them up on the evening of his death.

Talking of ‘Big Baz’, the Crewe boss said: “I spoke at Fleety’s funeral (John Fleet) and I remember talking about kit men, taxi drivers, support staff and admin staff all being the heartbeat of the Football Club. When they have been here as long as some of our staff then they become the heartbeat of it because players and managers come and go.

“The supporters will always be the lifeblood because they are always there, through the highs and the lows and they buy the kit, the tickets, programmes and pies or whatever. They support they club through everything.

“It is the people that perhaps the fans do not see that make the club tick over. People like Baz. He was a great fella, would always help you out if he could.

Dave added: “He drove me and my family to the airport this summer and he was set to pick us up, but unfortunately he didn’t make it. We lost him and the recent funeral just goes to show the high regard everyone had for him and for the fella he was.”