David Artell says he did not hesitate to agree to the rearrangement of our League One fixture at Rochdale after it was postponed just after Christmas after our opponents had positive coronavirus tests in camp.

The match at the Crown Oil Arena has been hastily rearranged for this weekend and Artell stresses it is important to take advantage of the free gap in our calendar to avoid any potential fixture pile-up towards the end of the season.

Crewe have a free Saturday after going out of the FA Cup whilst our scheduled opponents, Bristol Rovers have a third round tie against Premier League side Sheffield United.

Artell told the club’s official website: “There was potentially a chance to re-arrange the Rochdale game quickly and we thought why not? We are both out of the FA Cup and had a free Saturday, so it just made sense.

“We spoke to Rochdale and they were open to it as well and the EFL confirmed that it was okay to re-arrange it for this weekend. Both teams wanted to play so we got it done.

“I would be very surprised if the season was to be extended. I don’t think UEFA would allow that, so I think the season will finish on the date in May.  It is important to play the games and clubs need to be flexible with that. If there is an opportunity to play then you should.

“That will be our approach and I am pleased that we have another game to look forward to.”