Crewe Alexandra manager, David Artell, admits that he is not surprised by the form of his team so far this season.

Crewe are currently top of the League Two table, just ahead of an impressive Exeter City side, and Artell says that the foundations had been set in place for us to have a better campaign.

The Alex boss said: “I am not surprised by the start we have made because the positive signs have been there. We got more points than anyone else in the division from Christmas onwards. We have scored more goals in the calendar year than anyone else expect Liverpool and Manchester City and we had the most home wins.

“There are other stats that people tell me that I cannot even remember but those type of things are good indicators that it was coming.

“The players deserve the credit for that. They are playing well and training well and the results have been half decent and that is why we are top.

“They know there is room for improvement over a lot of things as well. We have conceded too many for a start and have conceded early.

The boss added: “There is definitely room for improvement but as we stand the players deserve praise for the way they have started the season. There is no harm in that.