CREWE'S safeguarding practices in the modern era have received glowing praise from the EFL says Dave Artell.

The Alex came under fire when the Sheldon review findings were made public on Wednesday for failing to spot "warning signs" that may have prevented former paedophile coach Barry Bennell's serial abuse of young players.

Bennell's crimes were committed in the 1980s and 1990s when checks and monitoring did not compare to those in force in society and sport today.

In fact, the Alex boss says the club's current safeguarding measures are among the "most robust" in football and he revealed they had earned praise from the EFL.

But Artell said the fall-out of football's child sex abuse scandal had cast a cloud and he welcomed the findings of barrister Clive Sheldon's four-year-long inquiry.

"I think everyone welcomes the report and the full assessment and findings, as a football club we welcome it," he said.

"You can't say something that is trying to make things better is unwelcome and we are no different to anyone.

"When anything comes along to improve any sport, that makes the sport a better place, that is good and I think this report does."

Sheldon said Crewe could "have done more" to react when Bennell was on their payroll by following up rumours concerning his conduct, including checking on the welfare of youngsters who took part in "stay-overs" at Bennell's home.

Among the recommendations Sheldon has made is that all clubs in the Premier League and EFL appoint safeguarding officers to monitor child protection. Crewe already have three designated staff in safeguarding roles.

"We have one of the most robust safeguarding systems in place and one that is held up by the EFL as a beacon of best practice," pointed out Artell, who admits the club's Academy may have been affected by the fall-out from Bennell.

"If you ask the Academy Manager then it probably has hurt recruitment of players in the Academy, and that's understandable. But we've got one of the safest football clubs in the country - that's the paradox," noted the manager.

During the preparations for tomorrow's trip to Northampton Town (K.O 3pm), the Crewe boss spoke to his players about the imminent publication of Sheldon's findings.

"They know they can come to me if they want to and we will help them if we can. There is an ongoing open-arms approach and if they want help we will give it," he added.