Experienced midfielder, Luke Murphy, is the first to admit that he has never been the greatest fan of pre-season but he knows it is vital to get ‘minutes into the legs’ before the serious stuff begins again on 7th August.
Crewe Alexandra take on Championship side Nottingham Forest in the latest of our home pre-season friendlies on Saturday and Murphy admits that although results are not vital at this stage, it is always nice to build some momentum going into the season.
Crewe suffered their first pre-season defeat against Championship side Stoke City on Tuesday night and face an equally tough ask against Chris Hughton’s side this weekend.
Murphy told the club’s official website: “It has been a good pre-season so far. We have had a good start but we know that there are still things to work on. The games can be tricky and we have had some tough ones with Wolves and Stoke and Nottingham Forest will be no different.
“It will be another physically demanding game against good players, but that is what you want. The main reason for pre-season is to get those minutes into your legs and make sure you remain as injury free as you can.
“The result is secondary but of course, as any footballer will tell you, you want to be winning games and take that momentum into the season.
Murph added: “The manager has used the pre-season to have a look at everyone and to try different personnel and systems and it has been good. I think we are looking in good shape and there are still a few more games to get through yet. Hopefully, everyone can get through unscathed and we can look forward to that first game.”