David Artell has stressed that in one area where we are strong for numbers is at centre-half and that could give him scope to make changes. Crewe Alexandra were on the receiving end of their heaviest home defeat since 1973 on Saturday after a clinical Oxford United side scored six at Gresty Road.
It left Artell and his staff shell-shocked by the manner of the performance with the gaffer giving his honest assessment afterwards when talking of ‘an unacceptable surrender.’
It was a team defeat and we win, lose and draw together but Artell did say there are options in defence following the heavy loss to Karl Robinson’s U’s. The defeat was a strange one to take following our excellent all-round display against MK Dons on Easter Monday.
Artell said on the centre-half positions: “We do have options at centre-half. It is one area where we are blessed with players. Omar and Olly have the shirts at the moment and they are experienced to know that they have to play consistently well to keep the shirt. That’s football.
“I’ve spoken to Nathan (Wood) and told him that he will get chances. He came on at half-time against Oxford and we know the abilities he has. He is still a young lad, learning his trade but I think everyone can see that he is going to have a bright future in the game.
“We also have Luke Offord available again and although he can play both full-back positions, he has played most of his football at first team level in the centre.
“That is before you even consider Donervon Daniels, who can play there and plays it well or Billy Sass-Davies who is doing well out on loan at Yeovil.
He added: “There options there and it is like every other position. Those who play well on a consistent basis will play; it is as simple as that.”