David Artell says the Mariners must embrace the occasion while remaining fully focused on the job ahead as Town prepare for Sunday’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg against Salford City at Blundell Park.

Following a campaign which has already delivered memorable moments, individual accolades and a top-seven finish, the Town boss says attention now turns solely to the challenge of the next two, hopefully three, games.

Here’s everything the Head Coach had to say ahead of Sunday’s huge clash…

On another Manager of the Month nomination

Artell was quick to praise the collective effort behind the recognition after being shortlisted once again for the monthly award.

“It’s a reflection of the lads’ work,” he said.

“The lads deserve a huge amount of credit for the personal rewards that may or may not come their way because they all contribute to a team performance.

“It’s nice to keep getting nominated because it means we’re doing well on the pitch as a group and as individuals as well.

“But we’ve got to put that aside now. It’s all about what we do in the next two, hopefully three, games.”

On Green and Rodgers receiving recognition

Kieran Green’s Player of the Month nomination and Maldini Kacurri’s Goal of the Month recognition also highlighted the squad’s strong end to the season.

“I’m pretty certain it could have been more than just Greeny,” Artell said.

“We’ve scored some terrific goals, but because they’re not headers flying into the top corner they don’t always get recognised.

“It’s great for them though and it’s another reflection of the whole team’s contribution to the end of the season.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good May as well.”

On Elliot Smith and Alex Graham signing professional contracts

Artell praised the Academy setup after Elliot Smith and Alex Graham both signed their first professional deals with the club this week.

“First of all, it’s a great credit to the academy that we’ve taken two pros because it shows the pathway,” he said.

“When I first came to the club I was a bit disappointed with what was classed as the standard, but now the standard is much higher.

“Elliot’s scored lots of goals, he can link play and he’s a natural finisher. He’s still extremely raw and has a long way to go, of course.

“Alex has had some minutes in the Vertu Trophy games and left-footed centre-halves are like hens’ teeth sometimes.

“He’s done terrifically well and there’s no doubt he’s got promise.”

The Town boss also highlighted the demands of the next stage in their development.

“They’ve got a whole year of development ahead of them really,” he said.

“They’ll struggle in pre-season, but in a good way. If they get through that, it sets them up to hopefully have a good season.”

On Jason Dadi Svanthorsson and Sam Lavelle’s recoveries

Artell confirmed both players are progressing well following recent surgery.

“They’re doing fine,” he said.

“It all went as expected.

“Sam’s in a brace for another four or five weeks, while Jason’s surgery was more minor and the rehab time is fairly quick.

“They’re both on the mend.”

On the mood in camp ahead of the play-offs

The Mariners boss says preparation levels have remained high throughout the week as the squad gears up for a huge occasion at Blundell Park.

“They’ve trained properly and at the right intensity,” he said.

“We demand high standards and they demand high standards of each other.

“It’s still about learning, still about getting better and understanding what’s required in the next game.

“We’ve had some big games this year already and the lads understand both the magnitude of what’s ahead and what’s required on the pitch.”

On managing a two-legged tie

Artell insisted his side’s full focus remains solely on Sunday’s first leg.

“You deal with the first game,” he said.

“It’s as simple as that.

“If you’re six up, great. If you’re six down, it’s irrelevant.

“There’s no point looking at two games. You look at the next one and go from there.”

The Town boss explained that while the second leg will bring different tactical considerations, the immediate focus cannot drift beyond Sunday.

“We’ll analyse the first game properly and prepare again,” he said.

“Regardless of the score or performance, the second game will have a different context to it.”

On previous meetings and current form

Despite Town winning both league meetings against Salford this season, Artell dismissed suggestions that previous results will have any bearing on the play-offs.

“That’s not form because they were months ago,” he said.

“Form is your last three or four games really.

“You can’t rely on form because it’s in the past.

“People say you’re only as good as your last game. It’s not true. You’re only as good as your next game.”

On embracing the occasion

Artell admitted there is excitement around the club ahead of the first leg and called on everyone connected with the Mariners to enjoy the moment.

“Of course we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s a great occasion for the football club, for the town and for the whole community that we represent.

“The last home game was a terrific day; the weather, the fans walking down the road, everything about it.

“We’ve got to try and replicate that atmosphere again.”

On making Blundell Park count

With a sold-out crowd expected on Sunday, Artell says Town must use the energy of Blundell Park to their advantage once again.

“We’ve got to replicate the level of performance and what we are as a team,” he said.

“We’ve got to give a good account of ourselves and do the best of our ability.

“The supporters have been magnificent and hopefully it’s another special day together.”

You can watch David Artell’s full pre-match interview below:

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