David Artell has told the club’s official website of his relief that none of the club’s players and staff have suffered any severe symptoms of coronavirus.

A thorough round of testing within the club revealed four positive tests – but they are thankfully all asymptomatic. Crewe Alexandra have been permitted by medical experts and the EFL to resume training with those affected players now self-isolating in accordance with Government guidelines.

Artell told crewealex.net: “The players that have tested positive couldn’t belief it. I think they were in a bit of shock but that shows how infectious this virus is and how it can go undetected without regular testing. It is difficult.

“They will have programmes to do at home, the exercise bike in the front room job, but the most important thing is that they self-isolate and come back.

“There is not a lot they can do and they all feel fine. They are all asymptomatic but I would take that than have anyone suffering long-term symptoms. The alterative does not bear thinking about. Thankfully, the number of cases is fairly low and we have acted quickly to control it.

He added: “It shows that our practices and procedures have been good and we will continue to do everything that is required from us to keep everyone as safe as we can.”