Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says he will continue to use the four remaining games of the season to learn about his players in readiness for next season. Artell has used a number of tactical formations this season and boldly went with a back three at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening.

Despite losing two centre-halves during the game, the Alex performed admirably in winning 2-0 against Simon Grayson’s side.

The Alex boss felt the players adapted superbly well to what was asked of them at Highbury.

He told the club’s official website: “We wanted to learn more about the players on Tuesday and we will continue to do so in the four games we have left.

“We wanted to find out about the players and we managed to do with a lot of them. We asked them to play differently, it wasn’t major different but it asked some different questions and from that aspect they were good.

“We wanted to see how brave they were, playing a different way, and they picked up really well.

He added: “When I analysed the video of the game, it took me a bit longer because I learnt more from it and hopefully that will be the case with all the games we have left.”