David Artell says Grimsby Town must be ready for a difficult test against Swindon Town on Saturday, with the head coach highlighting the Robins’ impressive home record and attacking threat ahead of the Mariners’ trip to the County Ground.
Town head into the fixture looking to build on last weekend’s dramatic Emirates FA Cup first-round victory over Stafford Rangers, having progressed after a 3-3 draw following extra time and a penalty shootout success.
The Mariners were rewarded with a home tie against fellow Sky Bet League Two side Oldham Athletic in the second round, with Artell describing the draw as a tough but winnable challenge.
The head coach also discussed Sam Lavelle’s extended loan spell at Hartlepool United, the opportunity given to 10 Academy players in Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy fixture against Nottingham Forest U21s, and the competition between Harvey Cartwright and Christy Pym for the number-one shirt.
Artell acknowledged that Swindon will provide a different challenge to the side Town faced last season, pointing to their strong home form and the threat posed by striker Aaron Drinan.
You can watch David Artell’s pre-Swindon Town presser here:
Here’s everything the head coach had to say ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wiltshire…
On the Emirates FA Cup second-round draw
Town were handed a home tie against fellow League Two side Oldham Athletic in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the fixture offering the Mariners an opportunity to reach the third round.
Artell welcomed the draw and believes it presents a difficult but achievable challenge, while acknowledging that both clubs will see progression as a realistic possibility.
“Home draw. Good challenge. We haven’t played them yet this season. I know we’ve got them over Christmas at some point.
“It’s a tough team, but we’re at home. I’m sure both teams are looking at it very similarly. I’m sure Micky and the players at Oldham are probably saying the same thing.
“It’s winnable, and a chance to get to the third round and hopefully a plum draw. But we’ve got a few more games before then.
“So, yeah, it’s winnable, but a tough one.”
On Sam Lavelle’s loan extension at Hartlepool United
Lavelle’s initial 28-day loan spell at Hartlepool United has been extended for a further 28 days, with the defender continuing to build up match fitness following a lengthy period without regular football.
Artell explained that the decision was made with the player’s longer-term development and fitness in mind, rather than bringing him back prematurely because of Town’s current injury situation and Maldini Kacurri’s international involvement.
The Mariners retain a 24-hour recall option, meaning Lavelle can be brought back to Blundell Park if required.
“It’s important that Sam plays games and regular games. He’s probably only played three or four in that month, maybe a touch more.
“It’s important for him to keep playing games regularly because he’s not played – he’s played six games before that loan spell in a whole year.
“So it’s really important that he puts a run of games together. The last thing we want to do is bring him back and he plays at a higher, more competitive level, even though it’s only one level, with more demands, and he breaks down again. We don’t want that to happen.
“It’s making sure he gets fully up to scratch, building a whole bank of games, and then we’ll see where we get to. If we’re in desperate need, we’ll pull him straight back.”
The head coach was pleased with how Lavelle has settled into his spell at Hartlepool but stressed that the priority remains giving him the opportunity to build up a consistent run of appearances.
“Yeah, 100%. He’s a good player. He needed games.
“I said to him, ‘Go and play 10 or 12 games and let’s see where we get to.’ He’s played four or five, so we’ll keep reassessing it.
“We’ve got that 24-hour recall now, so if things get any worse with injuries, I’m sure we’ll get him straight back.”
On the Academy players’ opportunity against Nottingham Forest U21s
Ten young Mariners made their first-team debuts in Tuesday night’s Jersey Mike’s EFL Trophy fixture against Nottingham Forest U21s, with Artell pleased that the occasion provided an important opportunity to assess the next generation of players.
Town fielded an extremely youthful side following Sunday’s 120-minute FA Cup tie at Stafford Rangers, with the head coach insisting that he would not risk senior players by asking them to play again so soon after such a demanding fixture.
Although Artell felt the first-half performance did not do the young players justice, he was encouraged by their response after the break and believed the experience would provide valuable learning opportunities for both the players and coaching staff.
“I thought first half we probably didn’t do ourselves justice, but then certainly second half I thought they gave a really good account of themselves.
“We were extremely young. We knew that. We’re never going to risk players and we’re never going to play players 48 hours after playing 120 minutes. It’s just madness. It’s crazy.
“I thought some gave a really good account of themselves. I thought some didn’t, if I’m being honest. But that doesn’t mean to say it’s terminal. These young players are finding their feet in the game, trying to forge a career, and they played against some players that are good players.
“I thought second half they did much better and probably should have scored a goal or two.
“It was a great barometer for myself and the staff to see where certain players are and where certain players aren’t. And also the players – it gives them a really good reference point.
“So, yeah, I thought it was a really productive night, a really good night.”
On the step up from Academy football to senior level
The head coach believes Tuesday’s fixture offered the young players an important insight into the standards required to progress towards regular first-team football.
Although Nottingham Forest’s side consisted of under-21 players, Artell pointed out that many of Town’s representatives were effectively playing against an older and more experienced group than they would normally encounter in under-18s football.
He felt the experience would provide a more meaningful indication of the level they need to reach than simply explaining the demands of senior football to them.
“100%. It shows how far they’ve got to go, but at the same time it’s a really good barometer for where they are.
“Without being crucifying or anything like that, it’s like, ‘Look, that’s the level.’
“If you think under-18s football on a Saturday morning is the standard, well, there’s one of them, and that’s before our first team.
“That’s probably more impactful than any words that I could say, or anyone else could say, to the lads.
“It was a real good night. We got out of it what we wanted, which was no injuries, which was the main thing, and seeing where certain players were.”
On the possibility of consequences following Tuesday’s team selection
Artell was asked about the possibility of the EFL contacting the Club following the selection of such a youthful side for the Nottingham Forest U21s fixture.
The head coach explained that the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s FA Cup tie, including the demands of extra time, penalties and the subsequent journey to Swindon, meant that asking players to feature again so soon would have been unreasonable.
He confirmed that the Club would be prepared to explain its position if asked by the EFL.
“I haven’t spoken to Kristine if the EFL have been in contact yet, but we know what the rules are.
“If the EFL ask us for our thoughts, then I’ll be quite happy to give Kristine our thoughts, and she knows exactly what went on, trying to rearrange the game, and the reasons why we didn’t meet the criteria.
“When you’re playing 120 minutes and penalties, three hours away, and 24 hours later you’re expected to train and then play again, and then have a day off, train and travel four-and-a-half hours to Swindon, it’s not going to happen.
“It’s unfair and it’s unrealistic for that to happen to any footballer, regardless of age or experience.
“If they ask us for our thoughts, then I’m sure we’ll provide them.”
On Harvey Cartwright and the goalkeeping competition
Harvey Cartwright produced an impressive display in Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Stafford Rangers, making several important saves before playing a decisive role in the penalty shootout victory.
With Christy Pym having also been one of Town’s consistent performers this season, Artell believes he has two genuine number-one options competing for the starting position.
The head coach praised Cartwright’s contribution on his first appearance in around a year, while acknowledging that both goalkeepers have earned considerable credit for their performances and the standards they continue to set.
“I thought Harvey did everything that was expected of him. He’s a good goalkeeper.
“He made a terrific save when we were 2-0 down. I would expect him to save all the other ones that he saved. I thought his next-best save was the one that led to their second goal, the deflected one, which was a terrific save, and their lad managed to get the rebound.
“I thought he was very good. There were some bits that I thought were a little bit rusty, as in it had been his first game for a year, but overall I thought it was terrific.
“But we know he’s a good goalkeeper, and so is Christy.”
Artell believes having two goalkeepers capable of performing consistently at the highest level is a positive situation for the Club, with the competition helping to keep both players motivated.
“That’s what we want. It’s probably the first time since I’ve been at the Club where we’ve had two goalkeepers and thought, ‘Yeah, they can both be genuine number ones and play all season.’
“That’s really good. It keeps each other on their toes, and that’s what they’ve been doing. They deserve a huge amount of credit for the performances.”
On the threat posed by Swindon Town
Town travel to Wiltshire having been unbeaten against Swindon in their two meetings last season, drawing 2-2 away before recording an emphatic 4-0 victory at Blundell Park to secure their place in the play-offs.
However, Artell believes Saturday’s contest will present a different challenge, pointing to the Robins’ impressive home record and the attacking options available to them.
The head coach highlighted the threat of striker Aaron Drinan, describing him as one of the best forwards in the division, and stressed that the Mariners will need to perform to their own standards to come away with a positive result.
“The big thing this year is their home form is outstanding. They’ve only lost once at home. They’re very good at home, I’d say.
“It’s going to be a tough game. I think they’ve got a few more threats. They’ve got weaknesses, of course, but they’ve got one of the best strikers in the league in Aaron Drinan, who’s quick and can run in behind.
“I’m not sure that they’re in the same headspace as they were when they came to Blundell Park towards the end of last season. I think they’re in a different headspace as a team, which means it’s a tougher challenge.
“Don’t get me wrong, if we play to our levels – and this isn’t a Swindon comment – I think we’ll give anyone a game. We can give anyone a really good game and win any game in this league against any opponent.
“But there’s no point me saying that and not backing it up. We know it’ll be a nice pitch, we know how they’ll play, and we’ve got to make sure we play to our levels. It’s as simple as that.”
On the previous 4-0 victory over Swindon
The Mariners’ last meeting with Swindon came at the end of last season, when a convincing 4-0 home victory secured Town’s place in the League Two play-offs.
Asked whether he expected the hosts to be particularly motivated by that result, Artell admitted he was unsure how much of an influence it would have, particularly given the changes both squads may have undergone since the previous meeting.
The head coach confirmed that Town had not referenced the result during their preparations, with the focus firmly on the challenge ahead.
“I don’t know how many new players they’ve had over the summer, but I can’t imagine it’s the same team.
“Will there be some motivation? Maybe, maybe. I don’t know, is the honest answer.
“I think it’s that long ago now, five or six months or whatever it is. I think probably everyone’s moved on. I know we’ve certainly not referenced it at any point.
“Don’t get me wrong, I hope it’s the same result, but we’ve got to make sure it happens.”
On opportunities for Academy players against Swindon
With Geza David Turi and Maldini Kacurri away on international duty, and Town continuing to contend with an extensive injury list, Artell was asked whether some of the young players involved against Nottingham Forest U21s could be included in the squad for Saturday’s fixture.
The head coach acknowledged that the circumstances could create opportunities for younger members of the squad but remained tight-lipped over his selection plans.
“We know we’ve got an extensive injury list and we know we’ve got players on international duty.
“It’s opportunities, you know. That’s how it is.”
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