Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell is looking forward to locking horns with Stevenage and potentially their new boss, Graham Westley, this weekend.

The experienced Westley returned to Stevenage for a fourth time in charge this week and although he may not be in the dugout up against Crewe this weekend, his presence is sure to have some impact on performance.

David Artell says he is not overly surprised that the struggling side have turned to their former boss once again and he has great respect for the man, who has also managed the likes of Peterborough and Preston.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Graham has been in the game for 20 odd years and managed in the Championship, so that isn’t a bad start and he will have a few more years ahead of him as well.

“That isn’t a bad CV to have in the game and I have nothing but respect for him and what he has achieved so far.

“People can talk about his style or his gamesmanship and all that but his record stands up. It doesn’t matter because when everything is stripped away it is 11v11.

“The chairman at Stevenage has come out and basically said it is better the devil you know. Mark Sampson is still around for the continuity and they have turned to Graham again to get them out of pickle because they are next to bottom on the league.”  

He added: "He is a good manager and he is sure to get them going again but we cannot worry too much about that. Our focus has to be on us and what we do."