Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell loves the magic of the FA Cup and he hopes he can guide the club into the third round for the first time since the 2008/09 season when Gudjon Thordarson was in charge of the club. Crewe exited at that stage following a replay against Millwall.

Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie at Eastleigh, Artell told the club’s official website: “For me the FA Cup is the best competition in the world. The Premier League clubs do not take it as seriously as they once did because it is not as profitable as other competitions and that is the truth.

“There is always the element of what happens on the day with the FA Cup and we have to make sure that our quality shines through in the end. We are a league higher and we have to make sure we perform to our ability and if we do then we will be fine.

“I am sure that it will be the first time many of our younger players will play in front of the TV cameras and that is part of their development. It is another tick in the box for them.

“I am sure they will watch this one back. There are a few new trims and I’m sure they are all looking forward to it.”