A CREWE fan who has taken up his perch at Gresty Road to watch behind-closed-doors games says he would be "saddened" to miss out.

Main Stand season ticket holder Paul Taylor, 57, couldn't bear the thought of watching his side on a laptop stream, so he took a step ladder from his garage and has put it to good use.

The Alex fan, who rarely misses a game home and away, found a superb vantage point by placing his steps up against the back of the wall at the Gresty Road end.

His dedicated approach to football fandom in the 'new normal' was captured by one of the club's neighbours as he got a close-up view of last Saturday's League One visit of Charlton.

The diehard told Nub News he has been closer to the action than any fan for the club's three home fixtures so far, including last month's warm-up with Barnsley.

"Initially, I took my steps along for the friendly last month to see if it would work. The wall is only 12 foot high and the gates are lower so I found I could see over," said Paul.

"I was half expecting other people to be doing it as well. A police officer inside the ground chatted to me and I wasn't moved on.

"Last Saturday for the Charlton game I took a bit of timber to level the ground as it had been a bit wobbly."

Paul's watching brief sparked interest on social media, but he stresses he hasn't fall foul of 'health and safety' just yet.

"The club did ask if anyone knew me, but not that that I was in trouble. It was just that BBC Radio Stoke wanted to speak to me. My son actually went on the station's show on Monday as I was out for the night, but perhaps it has got a bit out of hand."

Paul added: "I think the photo sums up football in lockdown. Football is all about the fans and the fans are missing out.

"It's so sad that we can't go. Gresty Road is such a familiar place for me and I'd miss it, but I know it's not the club's fault.

"I did watch the iFollow streamed games last season and I suppose I could have done that, but I'd much rather be there. The sooner we can all get back in the better.

"I've not been told not to come. I do keep on thinking someone is going to move me on, but I'm only peering in, I'm not climbing over the gate or causing an obstruction."