Artell says football will continue to help with mental health of fans.

David Artell says it is business as usual until told otherwise after government regulations allowed elite sport to continue in his national address last night.

Crewe Alexandra’s players have returned to training after a round of mandatory Covid-19 testing and Artell is now preparing his side for Saturday’s re-arranged fixture at Rochdale.

Artell told the club’s official website: “It is now a very similar position to where we were in August and September. We have been under severe working conditions for a while now. They will get stricter and the players are literally arriving in their cars, getting changed in the car and going out to train.

“They are having a sandwich in a car and going home. That is the way it is.

“This country is having a horrific time and I honestly think that football provides well-being to a lot of people. That is my opinion and that is why we have to continue.

"I think for a lot of people, the only think that keeps them going is the chance to watch football on TV.

“Football is a billion pound industry and the revenue is crucial for the treasury. If the tax money wasn’t there from the top Premier League players then that would leave a big black hole.

“We will continue to work with the guidelines and prepare as normal. That is all we can do.

“All the clubs had a financial hand out and that is going to help. It isn’t to right the wrongs of mis-management and no-one wants a club to go out of business.

He added: “It could be a drop in the ocean to some clubs but if helps with testing and helping us to continue then that has to be a positive.”