ALEX MANAGER ARTELL STILL HAS BELIEF IN QUEST FOR SUCCESS
DAVE Artell insists Crewe Alex will make one final push for promotion as the League One campaign heads into the home straight.
The Alex are in 14th place in the table, seven points adrift of the play-off places with 10 games remaining.
Crewe have three games in hand on Gillingham, who are sixth, as they prepare to entertain leaders Hull City today.
And despite it being a tall order, Artell is refusing to give up on securing back-to-back promotions.
Artell told the club’s website: “We have not lost any of our belief, no way.
“When I was captain here, I think we were in the play-offs for two weeks all season and won promotion. We were on a fantastic unbeaten run at the time and we will need a similar run now but anything is possible.
“I remember it well that we had a very late run and went into the play-offs as the in-form team. Of course that was League Two and this is a step up, but it shows that it can be done.
“As I’ve said all along, a football season is a marathon not a sprint and we have 10 games to pick up as many points as we can.”
The Alex squad should also be refreshed for the run-in after having last weekend off.
They were due to visit Charlton Athletic, but the match was postponed because the Addicks had international call-ups.
“It has been a long, tough season and although we haven’t had a game, I have been out to three matches in eight days,” added Artell.
“It has been relentless and that is why we have tried to give players the time off when we can.
“Due to the international break, we gave the players some time off. They had a few days off to rest their bodies and minds and they should be refreshed.
“They have worked hard this week and the proof will be in the pudding over Easter with two tough games coming up.”
Crewe travel to MK Dons on Easter Monday, but Artell is just focusing on today’s challenge against Grant Mccann’s Tigers.
He explained: “We know what a good side Hull are. They narrowly beat us 1-0 earlier in the season but we were a little unfortunate to lose. That was one of our first games at this level and we have improved since then.
“I am sure Hull have as well under Grant. I like him a lot and I look forward to seeing him for a catch-up.
“They don’t come any tougher than the team that are top of the league. They have created a few more chances than us with all the resources they have, so it is sure to be another good game.
“We have to take our chances and restrict their opportunities because we know they have good players who can punish you.
“We produced one of our worst halves of football against Burton in or last home game but before that we had been very consistent at home, so it is important we get back to that.”
● CREWE midfielder Regan Griffiths has joined Vanarama Premier side Notts County on loan.