Crewe Alexandra manager, David Artell remains optimistic that a percentage of Crewe Alexandra fans will be allowed back into the Stadium to watch games from October onwards. Clubs were given a lift recently when the government announced that October was a realistic target for crowds of people to congregate inside stadiums again.

This is likely to be at a reduced capacity at first,but Artell says that football misses the atmosphere generated by passionate supporters.

He told Crewealex.net: “The fans are essential because of the atmosphere they create. It is so important to football as a spectacle and even the Premier League matches that are on television are really missing something without the supporters being there.

“I am sure the fans will be invited back at a reduced rate at first, with no away fans, so that will have to be streamed but if we can 40%, 50% of the stadium full then that would make a massive difference to the atmosphere. No-one wants to play behind closed doors.

“Having crowds back at a reduced capacity is at least heading in the right direction. It may mean the fans coming at staggered times and perhaps having to spend more time in the stadium than usual, but if that is what is needed to watch their team then I’m sure they will do it.

“We have sold over 2,000 season tickets and that is great, especially as it has been tough for so many people, but we have to keep pushing. If we could get 2,500 or even 3,000 home fans for a club of our size that would make a massive difference both on and off the pitch.”