David Artell says it may even feel a little strange for supporters returning to the Mornflake Stadium this weekend.
Crewe host Cheltenham Town for the seasonal opener this weekend and it will be the first competitive game in front of all capacity for the first time since March 2020.
Crewe defeated Stevenage 3-1 at home on 7th March to go top of League Two but then the season was curtailed following the outbreak of Coronavirus.
The Alex did have the privilege of playing a couple of home games last season with a reduced capacity and under strict Covid-19 protocols, but everyone is now looking forward to having all fans allowed back into matches.
Ahead of the Cheltenham game this weekend, Artell said: “It is terrific that fans are allowed back in and at full capacity again. If you haven’t got a ticket for the weekend then why not? If you haven’t got one, visit the doctor and get your head tested.
“We want as many of them there as possible. Our fans have been terrific with me and the players ever since I took over and they can see that we are working hard on and off the pitch to make progress.
“The first four, five, six games without the fans in the stadium was eerie. No-one was used to it and we had to adapt.
“On the other side of things it may be strange for a few of the supporters to be back inside the stadium on Saturday. They have been away for almost 18 months some of them and it may feel a bit strange to them I don’t know.
“What I do know is that when our fans get behind us like they do, it makes a massive difference. We have had a decent home record over the last two and half years and they have played their part in that. We need them to make a lot of noise and back the players.”