David Artell has told the club’s official website that he will not tolerate the excuse of having to play in front of empty stadiums.

The Alex boss admits that it is extremely difficult for players to play with no crowds but as professionals they have adapt to the problems caused by the restrictions.

Artell told crewealex.net: “It does make a difference to play at home with no crowds and I think the results have shown that it has helped away sides a bit better but it is what it is and we cannot use that as an excuse.

“We would all prefer to have the fans there and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.

“It doesn’t matter if we are home or away, we have to win football matches. That’s the truth and we won’t be using no crowds as an excuse.

“I think it is an individual thing. All players will benefit from playing in front of crowds but as a professional you have to be level-headed and it doesn’t matter if you play in front of 100,000 or 100 people. “