Gradi Won't Take The Potters Lightly

Crewe Alexandra are taking all the precautions they can to make sure the weekend tie against The Potters goes ahead.

With several Crewe games cancelled due to the weather the club have made extra arrangements including air blown covers to combat the sub zero temperatures forecast.

Crewe's boss Gradi said: 'The game should go ahead whatever as we'll have a cover over the pitch blowing hot air. We've done a deal with a company as the groundsman feels it is likely he will be called out anyway for an inspection later in the week. We've had games called off before and we've listened to the criticism. But there was no point in spending a lot of money on an expensive system to save a couple of games a year. However, we explored this deal where we hire the cover for so many games. Boxing Day would be the obvious one. To get that one on and the Stoke game, which is nearly a sell-out, would be well worth the cost. We've come up with a solution which is value for money.'

Dario Gradi also says that the recent management turmoil shouldn't affect the Stoke players and he says his team won't be taking the visitors lightly. Johan Boskamp, assistant manager Jan De Koning and director of football John Rudge have publicly fallen out but Gradi said:

'I don't really think it will affect the Stoke players too much. They usually just get on with things and once they are out there they will be wanting to win the game as much as our players. It really is Stoke's business but I don't think it will have any bearing on the game whatsoever.'

And I love this quote, I think what he is trying to say is players should only do their talking on the pitch?! 'It has been interesting that some players have come out to back the manager. If I were still playing I wouldn't say too much because you could come out and back the wrong horse.'

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