CREWE kick off the new season at home to old foes Rotherham United on Saturday, August 3.

Steve Davis’ side will be aiming to get one over the newly-promoted club after seeing them snatch transfer target Danny Hylton last week.

The Railwaymen have been handed a tough start to their planned play-off push - travelling to fancied MK Dons on August 10, welcoming Tranmere a week later before away days at Leyton Orient (August 24) and Swindon Town (August 31).

Fierce rivals Port Vale visit Gresty Road on Saturday, November 10 with the return at Vale Park on Saturday, February 22.

Crewe face a bumper Boxing Day trip to Wolves before opening 2014 at home to Carlisle on New Year’s Day.

They wrap up the season at home to Preston on May 3.

Defender Adam Dugdale said: “When you look at the clubs in this league, you can see how strong it is.

“It’s become tougher at our level with Wolves and Bristol City being relegated and there are going to be some great encounters.

“We are a year better off.

“Virtually everyone was new to League One, including the manager, so that puts us in great stead.”

Assistant boss Neil Baker says the club will move on to fresh targets after missing out on both Hylton and winger Sam Clucas who opted for League Two newcomers Mansfield.

“We made Danny an offer which was the best we could offer him,” he said.

“We thought we were close with Sam but until you actually put pen-to-paper you know their agent will look for a better offer.

“We’ll see if Sam has made the right decision.

“We have one or two targets in mind so we move on.”

The Alex will travel to relegated Bury in the first round of the Capital One Cup on August 6 while their pre-season campaign is now finalised.

Crewe visit Truro (July 5), Norton (July 9), Newcastle Town (July 10), Leek (July 12), Nantwich (July 13), Chester (July 20) and Stafford (July 22).

And they welcome Blackburn on July 16 before huge games against Aston Villa (July 26) and Manchester United (July 29).

Tickets for home friendlies will be on sale from Monday (June 24) at 9am, priced at £8 adults, £4 seniors and £2 for under 16’s.