David Artell has called for continued focus and intensity from his side as the Mariners prepare to return to Blundell Park this afternoon to face Barrow AFC.

Town head into the fixture off the back of Tuesday night’s dramatic victory over Fleetwood Town, with the Head Coach keen to see his side build on that momentum and maintain their strong home form.

Here’s everything he had to say ahead of the game…

On squad fitness:

Artell provided an update on the current condition of his squad, acknowledging the ongoing challenges while remaining positive about progress.

“We’ve always got niggles,” he said. “You always pick up one or two and get one or two back, that’s the nature of it.

“We’re not a fully fit squad, but we haven’t been all year. The likes of Cam, Jason and Doug are all making progress.

“We’ll see who’s available tomorrow and pick from there.”

On Blundell Park form:

With Town unbeaten in nine at home, Artell believes performance levels have been the key factor.

“I think it’s our level of performance more than anything else,” he explained.

“Even some of the games we didn’t win earlier in the season, we deserved to. That’s football sometimes.

“The performances have been there all season, and now we’re getting the results to match. We’ve just got to keep it going.”

On the role of supporters:

The Mariners boss was quick to highlight the importance of the home crowd in creating a difficult environment for visiting teams.

“The fans were really good on Tuesday,” he said. “It makes a difference, it really does.

“We’re all in it together. If you can get down here, bring your voices, make some noise – it helps the players.

“When you combine a good atmosphere with good performances, you’ve always got a chance of winning games.”

On the run-in:

With four home fixtures remaining, Artell is focused solely on the immediate challenge.

“Let’s take care of tomorrow first,” he said.

“These games are important, and we’ll need that backing again for the rest of the season.”

On community initiatives:

Artell also spoke about the Club’s continued connection to the local community, with several initiatives taking place around the fixture.

“We’re a community club,” he said. “It’s really important to us.

“There’s a lot going on; the dementia group, walking football, different initiatives, and it’s part of who we are.

“We understand how important the football club is to the town, and we want people to feel proud of it.”

On Maldini Kacurri:

Artell praised the young defender’s impact since arriving at the Club.

“He’s a good lad and he’s settled in really well,” he said.

“For a 20-year-old, he’s handled some tough opponents and not looked out of place.

“He wants to learn, he’s coachable, and he’s making a really good impression.”

On Justin Amaluzor:

After an impressive cameo on Tuesday, Artell highlighted the winger’s importance to the squad.

“He was fabulous when he came on,” he said. “He’s a really valued member of the group.

“He’ll get plenty of game time and he’s developing well.

“When he gets his opportunities, like the other night, he’s got to take them.”

On team selection:

With competition for places increasing, Artell admitted selection decisions remain difficult.

“It’s never easy,” he said. “You’re always going to disappoint players.

“But we pick what we think is right for the team and what will expose the opposition.”

On Danny Rose’s return:

The former Mariners striker is set to return to Blundell Park, something Artell is looking forward to.

“He’s a great bloke and a fantastic servant to this football club,” he said.

“It’ll be good to see him and wish him well, after tomorrow.”

On Barrow:

Despite their league position, Artell was clear that Barrow pose a significant threat.

“No team should be taken lightly,” he said.

“We’ve watched them and they play some good football. They were well in the game on Tuesday.

“If you underestimate anyone at this level, you do so at your peril.

“It’s about how we approach the game and how ruthless we are in both boxes.”

On the challenge ahead:

Artell finished by reinforcing the importance of execution on the day.

“If we do what we’re capable of, we’ve got a good chance,” he said.

“But if we don’t, we leave the door open. It’s as simple as that.”

You can watch David Artell’s pre-match interview with the club media here:

UTM