David Artell has told the club’s official web-site that he is not ‘one for dressing things up’ when he talks to his players. The Crewe Alexandra boss has adopted an honest approach from day one and says he only tells the players the truth for their best interest.

The Alex boss says he will adopt the same philosophy when he engages in talks regarding their futures at the Football Club.

David, who took over at the beginning of the year, said: “I’m honest with the players and I think they appreciate that. I was the same when I was a player. If you are open and honest then there are no comebacks.

“I will sometimes tell them things they don’t like but I won’t fob them off with rubbish either. If they ask for it, I tell them where they are and what they need to do. I like to engage with them and help them.

“I like to know their thoughts and try and understand things from their perspective. To have that empathy but also give them a kick up the backside when it is needed. Footballers are not stupid people and I have never been one for dressing things up.

“We will talk about contracts and look to extend a few and I will just be honest with them. I’ve always said that if a club comes in and makes us an offer that is acceptable for us and accept for the player then they go with our blessing.”