David Artell says the Mariners are ready to begin their League Two campaign with a strong sense of continuity and optimism, as Town prepare to welcome Exeter City to Blundell Park on Saturday.
Having retained the majority of last season’s squad, Artell believes the foundations are in place for another positive campaign, while stressing the importance of starting the season strongly against a side he expects to provide a stern test.
Here’s everything the Head Coach had to say ahead of Saturday’s opening league fixture…
On squad news
Artell says Town have no fresh injury concerns, with a number of players continuing to make progress in their rehabilitation.
“Everyone’s progressing well. We’ve got lads towards the end stage of rehab,” he said.
“There’s more lads back on the grass, so I don’t know whether that’s one week, two weeks, three weeks or four weeks out on the grass, but I’m seeing more people out there.
“Nothing new from last week, so all good, really.”
On starting the League Two campaign
With the foundations already established, Artell says Town’s objective is simple – improve on last season and collect more points.
“Probably about four more wins, and that’ll do it,” he said.
“We’ve got the foundations in place to have a good season, but talk is cheap.
“Saturday’s three points is as important as the ones in November, March or the last game of the season, so we’ve got to make sure that we approach the game right.”
On continuity within the squad
Town became the first Mariners side since 1994/95 to start a season without a single summer signing in the starting XI, and Artell believes that continuity reflects the Club’s planning and processes.
“It shows that we’re well organised. We plan well,” he said.
“We do it because we think continuity is important. Alignment is important from top to bottom.
“It does show alignment, continuity, thorough processes and planning. We’re trying to have that even greater alignment and continuity across the board.
“If we do that, then it will help because we’re all on the same page.”
On the Club’s record season-ticket sales
Artell was full of praise for supporters after Town broke the Club’s all-time season-ticket sales record.
“It’s mental, isn’t it?” he said.
“What an achievement that is. I know when I first came to the Club, it was nowhere near those figures.
“It shows the appetite of the town for the football club to do well. Obviously, we’re extremely grateful for the support.
“It’s never taken for granted and we can’t thank them enough. Hopefully we’ll thank them by winning lots of games home and away and them having really good afternoons at BP, starting on Saturday.”
On the summer recruitment
Artell insists age has not been a major factor in Town’s recruitment strategy, with the priority simply being to identify good players who fit the Club.
“We just want good players,” he said.
“We do our objective analysis and subjective fit. Age doesn’t really come into it. It’s maybe one or two per cent of the whole thing.
“We want a nice blend and if they’re a bit younger, then that’s not particularly in our planning or our thoughts.
“If you’re young enough while I’m sat in this chair, you’re old enough if you’re good enough. We’ll give any player, regardless of age, a chance.”
On the balance of youth and experience
The Head Coach believes having a mixture of ages is important, but maintains that ability remains the overriding consideration.
“You’ve got to get a nice blend,” he said.
“But then you also want good players.
“It’s not about age primarily. It’s about if you’re good enough. If you can handle the ball and do what we want, then there’s every chance you’re going to find yourself in the team.”
On Iwan Morgan and Jaze Kabia
Artell wished Jaze Kabia well following his departure, while expressing his excitement at the arrival of Iwan Morgan.
“Jaze was a pleasure to work with. He did exceptionally well and I wish him nothing but the best,” he said.
“We’d planned enough, we’d got our ducks in order and we knew Iwan was an exceptional talent.
“I watched him last year and he is an exciting prospect as well.
“We think we’ve done some really good business. I think it’s an extremely exciting window.
“Your Joe Foulkes’ of this world, your Cian Doyle’s of this world are going to be very good players. They might need a little bit of time, they might need a little bit of love and support from everyone, including the fans.
“But I’m extremely excited to work with all of them.”
On Exeter City
Artell expects a difficult opening fixture against an Exeter side who were relegated from League One last season.
“They’ll be a tough nut. There’s absolutely no getting around that,” he said.
“I’ve known Mark for a good number of years. He’s extremely experienced now, has had success at that football club and knows what he’s doing.
“They were a League One team last year and there haven’t been major changes down there.
“We’ve got to make sure we deal with their football when they play, and also their directness.
“They’ve got a striker there in Jayden Wareham who’s scored lots of goals, so we’ve got to stop him and stop the team getting the ball to him.
“We’ve got to look after ourselves primarily. That’s the bottom line, because we know if we play well, we’ll give anyone a game.”
On remembering Alex Hughes
Artell also spoke movingly about the Club’s Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes, who will be remembered ahead of kick-off on Saturday.
“He’s a big miss. He’s left a huge hole at this football club, professionally and personally,” he said.
“I spoke to him every day. He was just such a good guy. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He was an outstanding character.
“You don’t often meet people like him, certainly not in the recruitment department.
“He was destined for a bright career because of his knowledge, his work ethic, his understanding of the game and, above all, who he was.
“He was just a terrific guy, and I miss him.”
You can watch David Artell’s full pre-match press conference below:
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