Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell says that the first game of any season is placed on a pedestal but he has reiterated that only three points are available, like the following 45 league games in a demanding season.

Crewe open the 2021/22 campaign with a home game against Cheltenham Town this Saturday and the Alex boss says that coming up against Michael Duff’s side will not present any surprises and vice versa.

Artell told the club’s official website: “There is a lot placed on the first game of the season. It is put on a bit of a pedestal but in my opinion it is the same as the other 45 games. It only gives you a very, very, early indication of where you are at.

“I have always said that it takes 10 or so games to give you a good feel of where you are at.

“The opening games is one tenth of the process and we will see tomorrow. We played Cheltenham in the FA Cup last season and we have been played them regularly over the last three or four years.

“I have seen Michael’s press conference and he says that he doesn’t expect any surprises from Crewe because of the familiarity and we are the same. It should be a good game between two teams who know each other quite well and we will see where we are at.

“I would say it is not an easy start to the season with the away games we have as well but we have to play everyone at some point, so you just have to get on with it.

“One thing is for sure, you have to be on the money in this league right from start. If you are not on the money then you get found out.”