David Artell says his players deserve the credit for their recent performances as the Mariners prepare for Saturday’s important Sky Bet League Two clash with Crewe Alexandra at Blundell Park.

Town head into the fixture with momentum on their side as the season enters its decisive final weeks, and the Head Coach believes the recognition he has received recently is a reflection of the team’s collective effort.

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

On his Manager of the Month nomination

Artell was recently shortlisted for the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award again, but he was quick to highlight the role his players have played in the team’s progress.

“I think it’s a reflection of the players’ performances,” he said.

“The players deserve a huge amount of credit for the level of performances.

“I think it shows how well we’ve been doing. We haven’t always got our just rewards, but since the turn of the year the lads have been performing at a really high level.

“They deserve a huge amount of credit for that, and hopefully they’ve got six more, maybe a few more, games left in them to keep that level of performance up.”

On Rae Walker’s national recognition

Artell also praised long-serving club shop manager Rae Walker, who has been named a finalist in the EFL’s Club Employee Award category.

“I think everyone loves Rae,” he said.

“She’s an absolute breath of fresh air. Whenever you’re graced by her presence, you can’t help but feel warm and smile because she’s that kind of person.

“She’s got an infectious personality and it’s great that she’s been recognised on the national stage because her work is terrific.

“That’s why the club shop does so well, she looks after everyone who walks in there. She’s a fantastic human being and we’re all delighted for her.”

On the youth team’s league title

This week also saw Town’s youth team crowned North East Youth Alliance League champions, something Artell believes reflects the progress being made within the club’s academy.

“At that level it’s not really about league tables, but it’s good recognition for them,” he said.

“For the players that go on, they’ve got that achievement on their CV, which is terrific.

“It’s about having the best players on the pitch at that age group and, by and large over the season, we’ve done that.

“Since I first walked into the club the standard has improved and the coaching has improved, and that’s full credit to Woodsy, Lester, Loz, Benji and the others.

“There’s a clear direction of where the club is going and hopefully we’ll produce more players because of it.”

On supporting Grimsby Town Foundation tomorrow

Saturday’s fixture will also highlight the work of and raise money for the Grimsby Town Foundation, the club’s charitable arm, and Artell believes the work being done in the community is a vital part of the football club’s identity.

“We’re a community football club,” he said.

“You couldn’t put the ground any closer in the community than we are, we’re right bang in the middle of it.

“The foundation does unbelievable work. There are areas locally that need support and a helping hand, and the foundation does so much to try and make football accessible for everyone.

“And if it’s not football, it’s life skills and education through football.

“It can leave a lasting impression on young people and their development, and it’s not lost on anyone at this football club how big an impact that can have.”

On Cameron Gardner’s injury setback

Artell also confirmed that striker Cameron Gardner will miss the remainder of the season after picking up an injury.

“We’ve tried to wrap him in cotton wool and ease him back in as gently as we can,” he explained.

“He’s such a conscientious kid and he was doing a bit extra. He’s tweaked his thigh and we’re not going to risk him.

“We might be able to squeeze him back, but there’s no point. We’ll just get him ready for day one of pre-season.

“He’s got a bright future and we’ll give him all the support he needs. He’ll come back stronger.”

On improving in front of goal

With Town creating a high number of chances this season, Artell believes continued improvement comes down to repetition on the training ground.

“Practice,” he said.

“That’s the key thing.

“It’s definitely improved since I’ve been at the football club, but there’s still a long way to go.

“The good thing is that if we keep creating big chances, we’ll keep scoring goals.

“Sometimes you have to tip your hat to the goalkeeper as well, like the save from Cooky’s chance the other day.

“But as long as we keep creating chances and scoring one more than the opposition, that’s all that matters.”

On the challenge of Crewe Alexandra

Looking ahead to Saturday’s contest, Artell expects a competitive encounter against a strong Crewe side currently above Town in the table.

“Tough opposition above us in the table,” he said.

“They’ve got some good footballers and we’ve got to be at it.

“You’ve got to be good in your one-v-one duels all over the pitch and we’re going to need everyone.

“It should be a good game.”

The Head Coach also praised the support shown by the Mariners faithful in recent home fixtures.

“I thought the fans in the last home game were very good, even in adversity,” he said.

“I think everyone can see the progress we’re making and the lads are playing with real commitment.

“We’re in the final straight now and we’ve just got to keep playing well. If we keep playing well, you’d like to think we’ll keep winning games of football.”

On facing his former club

Saturday’s match will see Artell come up against Crewe Alexandra, a club where he enjoyed success as both a player and manager.

“It’s a fantastic football club with some really good people,” he said.

“I’m proud that I’m the only person to have been promoted as both a player and a manager there.

“But for all the sentiment, my focus is fully on trying to beat them on Saturday and getting another three points.

“Afterwards we might have a drink and a chat, but until then they’re the opposition and we’ve got to try and get one more goal than them.”

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

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