DAVE Artell suspects the absence of fans from stadia could be rubbing out home advantage for clubs after the EFL start up.

While the Crewe boss is not blaming the continuation of behind-closed doors games for his side's start, the Alex have lost both a Caraboa Cup tie and last Saturday's League One opener against Charlton at Gresty Road.

They also went down to defeat in the only pre-season game (against Barnsley) that was played at their home stadium.

Artell noted: "It is certainly not an excuse but when the Bundesliga got going again in the summer there was a high proportion of away wins. Whether that equates to League One three months later I'm not sure if it does or not.

"But it's not an excuse not having a crowd in and we've got to be better and we've got to be winning games of football. I think there is some truth in it, but I can't use it as an excuse."

Despite the government's introduction of tougher Covid rules about gatherings, elite football was offered hope by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) last night when an October 1 date was mooted as a possibility for a phased supporter return dependent on pilot events and other conditions.

The Crewe boss added: "We all want fans to be in the ground and reading that they may let some numbers in is pleasing, if it does happen.

"Doctors who have gone to medical school for so long are predicting a second wave but let's hope they didn't do the pandemic module on their courses and have got it wrong so we can get back to normal."

After Saturday's defeat (0-2) Artell and his players sat down for a productive feedback session yesterday ahead of Saturday's trip to Hull City.

Meanwhile, the manager reports some progress on his injury list with defensive signing Donervon Daniels out running while midfielder Tommy Lowery is drawing to the close of his rehab work.

Striker Chris Porter is also improving and Artell added: "We're getting there, but some are a lot slower than others."