Dave Artell delighted to be a part of 'superb' Academy system

Crewe Alexandra’s Academy Operations Manager Dave Artell says that the club remains on the best places in the country for developing young players.

The vastly experienced Artell made close to 500 professional performances and played internationally for Gibraltar in his twilight of his career and his journey saw him represent eight clubs.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “I believe that this club is one of the best places in the country for a young player to develop.

“From my own experience I had from playing here they invest time in the players. I came here when I was 30 and it was really one of my last clubs. The philosophy was different to anything I experienced during my career.

“At other clubs, I was just another defender and instructed to head it or clear it. Dario took the sessions and told me he wanted to develop me as a player. I had never had that before.

“He wanted to invest his time in him and despite my age and habits, if you like, he wanted to improve me as a footballer. It was all based around producing footballers.

“So to come through the Academy here must be an unbelievable education. The pastoral care at this club is unrivalled. Only Morecambe came anyone near in my experience. They genuinely care for the players and that is why I didn’t hesitate to come back here.

Dave added: “It is a unique club in that sense and I enjoy my work here within the Academy.”