Crewe still value FA Cup as 'special' - Bell

Lee Bell took Crewe to the second round of the FA Cup two seasons ago after beating then League One side Derby County in a first-round replay

Crewe Alexandra boss Lee Bell says he and his players still value the FA Cup as a "special competition" despite recent changes to its format and see their tie against League One side Doncaster as a chance to gauge their progress this season.

The Alex renew their rivalry with Rovers on Saturday in the first round after beating them in the League Two play-offs two seasons ago before drawing twice as Doncaster won the title last term under Grant McCann.

"The first thing you look for is a home draw," Bell told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Grant's done an amazing job there. They went up as worthy winners [last season] and they've started really well.

"They've carried a lot of the players into League One which I think is brilliant. It's an opportunity to play higher league opposition and pitch exactly where we are."

The FA Cup will again feature no replays this season with all ties being decided on the day via a penalty shootout after extra time if necessary.

The kick-off times for the final at Wembley have also changed from its traditional 15:00 BST slot recently, with the 2023 showpiece between Manchester City and Manchester United the first to start at that time for 12 years.

Last year's final, between Crystal Palace and Pep Guardiola's City, kicked off at 16:30 BST.

"It is a special competition regardless of the change in format, regarding replays - which I think is a shame," Bell said.

"For players it's seen as important. It's been taken away a little bit by TV and the time the final kicks off, and the rewards that lower league teams can get from it -where you play and whether you get on television."

'The carrot at the end is what could be'

Bell said he was disappointed his side were not given a chance to have their replay against then-League One side Derby County televised live - a game they won 3-1 after a 2-2 draw in the first meeting.

"It was shame the replay wasn't on TV which was something I felt they could have done but I do think the players understand the importance of the FA Cup to English football," Bell said.

"I think a lot of it has been taken away by broadcasting and perhaps the Premier League teams who want to shorten the format because of the amount of games they get with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

"But it's a real opportunity to put a cup run together and it's always good to test yourself and the carrot at the end of it is what could be."