Alex Morris has told the club’s official website that regardless of who we were paired with on the opening day of the season, it was always going to be ‘an exciting day’ as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge.

Morris finished the last four games of last season with Crewe Alexandra already relegated from League One and the Crewe manager is preparing for an intense pre-season with that opener away at Rochdale now firmly in focus.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “It is always an exciting day when the fixtures come out and I am pleased with the opening games. We have some great fixtures to start. In the first five games we have two local games and three at home.

“That will give us a chance to build some momentum at the Mornflake Stadium and have that chance to play in front of the home supporters. The Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures are appealing with Stockport away and Tranmere Rovers at home, with Carlisle at home in there as well.

“It is exciting day for the supporters and players alike and everyone is looking forward to it.”