Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has told the club’s official website that it is ‘always a challenge facing Cheltenham’.

The Alex kick off their League One campaign with a home fixture against Michael Duff’s newly promoted side and Artell is hoping that we can start with three points.

Cheltenham were hugely impressive in winning League Two last season and also knocked Crewe out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at their Jonny-Rocks Stadium.

Artell told crewealex.net: “It is always a challenge facing Cheltenham. They have their own distinct way of playing and it is always tough but hopefully we can take them by surprise like the likes of Charlton and Hull did to us in our opening games last season.

“It took us a few games to get used to the level and hopefully that happens to Cheltenham this weekend and we can take advantage of that.

He added: “Michael has done a terrific job down there and they thoroughly deserved their promotion. League One is a real step up and you have to bridge that gap. It took us a bit of time at the start of the season but we came through it and I’m sure Cheltenham will get used to the level as well quickly enough.”