Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell will be giving his players Christmas Day off this year and says that they have warranted it after playing three games a week for over 10 weeks.  The Alex have had a rare free mid-week and will train as normal until spending time with their families on Christmas Day.

Crewe host Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town side on Boxing Day.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I trust the players and they warrant the day off after what has happened over the last 10, 11 weeks. It has been relentless.

“We are always on about how busy the Christmas period is but this year that is normal. That has been the norm, playing three games a week for a long time now.

“It felt strange not to have a Tuesday night game and have the lads in for training.

“I’m sure they will be fine. We will do things slightly differently this year. They will wear the GPS equipment and will have to do some work on their own at home.

He added: “I am sure they will enjoy the little break with the family and not have too much turkey inside them ready for Fleetwood.”