PROVIDED Cheshire East is placed under tier two restrictions, fans could be returning to Gresty Road before Christmas.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's address this afternoon signalling the end of the second national lockdown on Wednesday, December 2 included hope that many behind-close-doors sporting events will be phased out.

Up to 4,000 fans will be allowed into outdoor events, including football grounds, in the lowest-risk areas when the four-week lockdown ends.

Up to 2,000 people will be allowed in tier two areas, which is where Cheshire East was placed before the November 5 shutdown.

No fans will be allowed into grounds in tier three areas, so it will be crucial to hear where the borough is placed when the tier announcement is made later this week, most likely on Thursday.

Back in September several Crewe games were mooted to be included in the pilot scheme, allowing up to 1,000 fans back into grounds, including their home clash with MK Dons.

But the scheme was abandoned as coronavirus infection rates climbed.

The Cheshire East rate has been dropping over the past week, but the decision on where to place the borough will also be based on the analysis of cases, in particular its incidence in the over-60 age group and pressures on the NHS.

The PM said in a video link to the House of Commons: "In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing."

He also announced that organised grassroots sport will be able to resume, while gyms and leisure centres can reopen across all tiers.

It would mean local Sunday football leagues can resume fixtures, including the Crewe Regional Sunday League, which last held games on November 1, while Crewe FC will be able to restart their Cheshire League programme.

A 10pm closing time curfew for pubs and restaurants will be eased, but pubs in tier two will only be able to serve customers if they are having a "substantial" meal, while in tier three they will have to remain shut.

MPs are to vote on the plans later this week.