In David Artell’s opinion football should be able to continue as long as people remain sensible. The Alex boss has gone on record to say that he hopes games do continue and that supporters are allowed to attend fixtures, although he believes that reduced capacities is something that could occur if the variant continues to spread at such a rapid rate across the country.

Artell is preparing his side for Sunday’s home game with Wigan Athletic as normal.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “For me, football should be able to continue as long as people remain sensible, patient and understand. I think football can have enough procedures, restrictions and guidance in place to make sure that it can be safely executed.

“That is my own personal view and I have not been privy to any meeting, conversation or anything like that.

“I am sure that social distancing at games has been discussed at all levels. Do I think it is right that Old Trafford continues to have 75,000 people? I am not so sure but it can accommodate 30,000, 40,000 safely.

“I am not a scientist though and they make the judgment calls because they are the experts and I would rather listen to them than some spotty Jonny from Coventry giving his opinions on social media.

“All I can assure our fans is that when the club receives clarity on anything in relation to Covid from the government or the EFL then they are the first to know. It is important that the supporters get that information and that clarity.

“The truth is I don’t know anything different from the fans at the moment, only what I see on the news or what the EFL provide. It is all day-to-day and all I can do is carry on and prepare the team to the best of my ability.”