DAVE Artell predicts lower league footballers face a tough time in the summer when squad rule changes take effect and wages remain depressed because of Covid.

The Crewe boss began squad-building preparations for the 2021/22 campaign last month, although he doesn't know at what level his side will be at. Crewe are only five points adrift of sixth-placed Charlton with 10 games to play and the weekend win (1-0) at Northampton kept their play-off hopes alive.

Artell has big decisions to make with a number of players, including Olly Lancashire, Chris Porter and Callum Ainley out of contract, while his recruitment team are already assessing potential targets.

That pool of players will be swelled by those let go by clubs keeping within squad limits. This season League One and League Two squad sizes have a ceiling of 22 players and that is set to be reduced to 20 in League Two next term.

The loss of gate revenue will take its toll and Artell pointed out: "Football clubs haven't had one game without fans in so wages won't be going up either. It's a very tough market to be a footballer.

"And because of Brexti it's more of a crowded market because there's more people shopping in it.

"But we've got to do the work to give ourselves the best chance because of our resources. We are working hard to try and plan to bring players into the football club although we're not sure at the moment what division we will be in."

The Alex manager admitted: "We've got a big summer ahead of us and the more preparation we do, the more hard yards we do then I'm a big believer that will give you the best chance of success. We've got some work to do with the recruitment and some work to do on the retention or our own players."

Meanwhile, the return of Ainley after a lengthy spell on the sidelines could be a welcome option in the coming weeks. The 23-year-old attacker was making his first start at Sixfields since suffering a hamstring tear in the FA Cup first round exit at Cheltenham back on November 28.

The homegrown youngster was a potent force during October, but has needed surgery to repair the damage before easing his way back in.

"Callum was really good [at Northampton]. We did make sure that his brain was engaged with football geography because it is hard to come in after a long time out when it's hustle and bustle," explained Artell.

"We had him on the bench [against Burton] and he came on and was okay. We felt he was ready by Saturday and he was fine, he was good."

Meanwhile, defender Luke Offord is nearing his return after coming through today's 2-0 under-23 win over Colchester at Nantwich Town, while leg-break victim Oli Finney has had his orthopaedic boot removed and has begun some light running.