DAVE Artell says he has encouraged all of his players to get vaccinated as the threat of the Omicron variant threatens to disrupt football.

The manager says Crewe Alex will be pulling out all measures to counter the spread of coronavirus with one player having tested positive and another in self-isolation as a result of contact.

The club plan on travelling to Saturday's game at Gillingham on two buses and have returned to mask wearing and social distancing, using two dressing rooms, at the training ground.

"I believe the experts and it seems highly infectious, so we've got to try and pre-empt it said Artell.

"We have got to try and get things in place before the higher infection rates come to the Crewe area."

And he added: "Vaccinations are a personal choice. But we are constantly reminding the players they should be getting vaccinated.

"Vaccinations have kept the death rate low."

Crewe also have two other players suffering from illness, although not Covid; one of whom is expected to be available for Saturday.

Ben Knight is due to have a scan on his suspected metatarsal injury today (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, Crewe will resist any effort made by Blackpool to knock down Owen Dale's transfer fee.

Reports in Lancashire suggest Dale's injury record has encouraged the Tangerines to lower the attacker's value as part of the loan to buy deal negotiated in August.

But Artell stressed: "I think the number [the fee] has been agreed. If they don't buy him we'll have him back.

"It's no skin off my nose and it will be like having a new signing in January."