Alex boss targets more prize money from progression in the cups.

David Artell is hoping that extended cup runs in the Papa John’s Trophy and FA Cup could bring in some extra income during difficult times. With a return of supporters into stadia looking increasingly unlikely for the foreseeable future due to the global pandemic, clubs are having to rely on other sources of income to survive going forward.

Prize money from cup competitions is certainly one avenue that has helped so far and Artell says that he wants to go as far as he can in both, to bring some glory and money to the club.

Crewe are through to the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy after finishing runner up to Shrewsbury Town in Group C on Tuesday evening and we have another away tie, at Cheltenham Town coming up at the end of the month in the FA Cup.

Artell explained to the club’s official website: “A run in the cups can help with the finances and it is even more important for clubs this season for obvious reasons. If you can win games in the EFL Trophy then you get rewarded financially and the money on offer in the FA Cup for progressing through the rounds can never be sniffed at by the lower league and non-league clubs. It can make a massive difference.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be the same to draw Manchester United away in the third round because of the situation with the supporters but we would still take it! We have a tough game at Cheltenham first before we think about the third round and the possibility of drawing one of the bigger clubs.

He added: “We would just like to get through to help bolster the coffers because like any other EFL club, any money at this stage is welcome.”