David Artell faced the media ahead of Town’s clash with Salford City at Blundell Park, as the Mariners look to build on Saturday’s energising victory at Meadow Lane.

With momentum growing and another big week ahead, the boss discussed preparation, squad development and the challenge awaiting under the lights.

Here’s everything he had to say…

On quickly moving on from Saturday’s win: 

After the superb 1-0 victory over Notts County, Artell was keen to stress the importance of reflection, but also reset.

“You obviously analyse it, reflect on it, watch it again and show them a few clips,” he explained.

“That’s part of the learning process and the feedback to the players.

“We fill our reflections in and then we focus on Salford. That’s what the fixture list demands and that’s what we’re fully prepped for now.”

With just one training day between fixtures, the turnaround has been swift, but it’s nothing new.

“It’s less time to work on things,” he admitted.

“That’s why you have an overarching game model and principles of play that the players understand.

“A congested schedule doesn’t help, but I don’t want anyone to think I’m complaining. That’s just how it is, so we get on with it.”

On Henry Brown and Zak Gilsenan’s loan progress:

Artell also provided an update on the club’s players out gaining valuable experience.

“Both are doing really well,” he said.

“Henry’s in his first real extended spell of men’s football and he’s made a good impression. We’ve had really honest feedback and that’s pleasing.

“Zak’s had a really fruitful five weeks at Buxton as well.”

The manager was keen to underline that loan spells do not mean players are forgotten.

“I don’t want anyone to think that out on loan means out of mind, that’s not the case.

“We try to watch them whenever we can and development takes different forms. If we think players are ready for men’s first-team football, we’ll try and make that happen.”

On Jude Soonsup-Bell’s influence: 

Jude Soonsup-Bell attracted plenty of praise following his performance on Saturday, and Artell reinforced his belief in the young forward.

“If we didn’t have faith in what Jude could bring, we wouldn’t play him,” he said.

“He’s still young and he’s got lots to work on, but he’s also a very good player.

“He’s tactically very astute and technically outstanding.”

Artell acknowledged comparisons with other attacking options but emphasised the importance of balance.

“He’s not as physical as Cooky and he’s not as quick as Jaze, but he’s got other qualities they haven’t got.

“It’s horses for courses. On Saturday we felt he was the one who would link play and stay connected. He did his job and it worked well for us.”

“He’s got a bright future.”

On Charles Vernam’s new contract:

Artell also welcomed the news that Charles Vernam has signed a new deal, keeping him at the club until at least summer 2027.

“He’s an important player for us,” Artell said.

“He’s had a terrific season and worked hard. The key for him was having a full pre-season.

“In previous years he’s had disrupted pre-seasons, but this time he had five or six weeks and that’s provided the foundation for him to play consistently.”

Vernam’s availability has been carefully managed, but Artell believes the winger is now reaping the rewards.

“When he’s in the groove and playing well, he’s one of the best wide forwards in the league because he creates and scores goals.

“I think he’s got 21 goal involvements this year, that’s an impressive return, and we hope there’s many more to come.”

On the challenge Salford will bring:

Turning attention to Tuesday’s opponents, Artell expects a demanding test from a side currently occupying the final play-off spot.

“They’re a front-footed team,” he said.

“They’ll get it forward, run forward, get it wide and put balls in your box. They’ve got pace and lots of attacking options.

“You’ve got to stand up to that challenge. You have to be able to run and be physically good against them.”

Despite Salford winning just one of their last five league games, Artell believes their recent results don’t tell the full story.

“They haven’t deserved to lose all those games. I saw them against Accrington and they should have won comfortably.

“It was a bit like us before Christmas, if truth be told.”

He also pointed to their strong away form.

“They’ve got more points away from home than at home, so of course we have to be wary.

“Their way of playing can be effective anywhere.”

On what Town must do to get the result:

Artell was clear on the blueprint for success.

“We’ve got to match their energy, their forward running and the physical side of it.

“But we’ve also got to run them the other way and show our quality.

“We scored a terrific goal at their place – great movement, great combination play. We’ll need moments like that again.

“But it has to be underpinned by all the other stuff. There’s no point doing it once and not doing the rest.

“If we match their effort and play our football, then we’ve got as good a chance as anyone of winning the game.”

Momentum maintained. Focus reset. Another big night under the lights awaits.

Attention now turns to Salford City at Blundell Park.

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

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