Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he is believed with the way pre-season training has gone in readiness for his first full season in charge. Crewe host Mansfield Town this weekend and Artell is pleased with the conditioning of his players ahead of the big kick-off in the EFL.

David told crewealex.net: “I have been pleased with the way pre-season has gone. It has been tough for the players. There have been plenty of games and it has been physical.

“I really don’t think you really see the benefit of the work until you have played ten games or so. I think every manager would give that honest answer because you don’t really know until it all settles down a bit.

“I have been a player when we have been battered in one of the early games and then gone on to win promotion. I’ve also been in teams when we have won three on the bounce and then it has fizzled out pretty quickly.

“We have pushed the players and I’ve been pleased with the way things have gone. It has been alright and we have learned a few things about ourselves and the players.

The boss added: “We didn’t want it to be plain sailing and have walkovers in the games. We have had some difficult games and the training has been intense.”