Boss says schedule designed to make sure we are not 'caught cold' in opening games like last season.
David Artell believes that his Crewe Alexandra side will not be ‘caught cold’ by what to expect in League One this season. The Alex boss felt that he and his team needed a number of games to get used to the level last time around after making that step up from League Two.
Artell made some slight tactical tweaks to make sure we were not left so open in transition and it paid off with Crewe eventually finishing 12th on our return to League One.
Artell says he wants to hit the ground running this time around and he is aiming to secure more of a test in pre-season with the opposition we face as we approach the opening games.
David told the club’s official website: “I felt that last season it took us six games to get used to the level and what to expect. I don’t think that will be the case this year.
“We will still go to a few local teams in the pre-season but we have looked to improve the level with the likes of Stoke and a couple of other big clubs coming.
“We had Burnley a few years ago and it was a good game. They were at the start of their pre-season and it was a usual run out for both clubs. They split their side and half went to Port Vale and it allowed all their squad to get a run out.
“They realised that as a League Two team, which we were at the time, we were not just going to lump it and kick them off the pitch. I think they knew we were going to play the right way and it made for a good game.
“I am happy with the pre-season schedule and it is all designed to make sure we are fit and ready for August 8th.”