A Critch in time for Crewe after a testing week

DAVID Artell is looking forward to welcoming home a man “full of honesty and integrity” today after a difficult fortnight for Crewe Alexandra.

The Alex have seen two League One games against Oxford United called off, the first after midfielder Ryan Wintle and defender Omar Beckles contracted Covid-19, and the re-arranged game because of reasons beyond the club’s control.

The postponement of Tuesday’s match led to Oxford boss Karl Robinson saying his side should have been awarded the three points, but Crewe say they had no positive coronavirus cases, no first-team players or staff reporting symptoms and no players in self-isolation.

Artell, who said the EFL did not give a reason why the game could not go ahead, felt Robinson’s comments questioned his club’s integrity, telling the Alex’s official website: “Karl was there talking wanting the three points. I am not having that at all. He didn’t have the facts and if he did, he chose to ignore it.

“If it is about propaganda and making us the bad guys, then so be it, but I know what went on Tuesday and it is wrong.”

Artell also claimed several of his players received calls from Robinson, adding: “He is ringing my players on the day of a game. Why are you doing that? I have never heard about it as a player or as a manager. “It is ridiculous.”

There is not likely to be any such bad blood today as Alex welcome one of their own in Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.

The Crewe-born 40-year-old is in his first permanent management role after working as a coach at Gresty Road.

Said Artell: “I’m looking forward to seeing Critch - he’s a great guy, full of honesty and integrity. After the last couple of weeks, that’ll be nice to see.

“We’ll wish him all the best - starting at 5.30pm Saturday.”

While Crewe are in form, the Seasiders have not enjoyed the best start under Critchley, with just one win so far this season, though there was such change at the club over the summer.

“He’s making his mark there, with some good players, and we all know he’s a good coach,” added Artell.

“He coached most of my players, so he’ll know their shoe size and everything.

“That makes for an intriguing encounter and we’ve just got to try and come up with something he’s not expecting.”