David Artell says fans have helped team re-build confidence.

David Artell says that we need the Crewe Alexandra faithful right behind us in the last 9 games to make sure we get over the line. The Alex boss has been full of praise for the club’s fan base since taking over from Steve Davis back in January and he wants them to generate another good atmosphere against Colchester United tomorrow.

A win for the Railwaymen would see us reach 45 points in their quest to remain in the EFL.

Artell told crewealex.net: “When we perform like we did against Portsmouth and Crawley then we are a match for anyone in this division. If we played like that every week then I know it sounds ridiculous because of our position at the moment but we would be talking play-offs.

“Then when we perform like we did against Newport, especially in that second half, then we would be where we are now and looking over our shoulder. The consistency drives you mad and I would imagine the fans are as frustrated as I am with it. I am aware of it and that is what I am working hard on to improve.

“The fans do make a massive difference and when they make the noise and back the players then it does spur them on. We had a 100 or so at Crawley and I thought in that first half, here we go, we have had all the play and the better chances but it’s still 0-0. The fans helped them to keep going, get that first goal and then we scored two in two minutes and for the last half an hour they enjoyed their team playing with a 3-0 lead. It was just a shame that there was not more of them to see it after the dross we played in the second half on Saturday.

“The fans have been fantastic with me and fantastic with the players. We need them and I’ve said ever since I got the job that everyone here is in this together and the fans are a massive part of that.”