David Artell says that he and the club constantly remind the players about their responsibilities surrounding Covid-19.

With the second variation of the virus, more contagious than the first, the government yesterday employed a national lockdown – but elite sport in the country will continue.

The Crewe Alexandra boss told the club’s official website: “We remind the players every day about their responsibilities. From me, the medical staff and the club doctor.

“The flipside of us having young players is that most of them still live at home with their parents, so not only are we telling them but they are as well. The message is coming from us. It becomes a united message.

“I think when they live with their parents and there is the danger that they could infect them if acts as a deterrent. It becomes far more real for them.

“I cannot be a father to 30 players. I just can’t. They have to take responsibility as well and they do.

He added: “They know they have to adhere to the rules and stay the right side of the line.”