Gaffer says belief is growing inside the Alex camp

David Artell has told the club’s official website that he believes that the players in his squad have distanced himself away from having some mental fragility.

The Alex boss says his players showed real belief to take the game to Sunderland on Saturday and deservedly led 2-0 at half-time. It was disappointing to concede two late goals at the Alexandra Stadium and only collect a point – but the Alex boss can take enormous positives from the performance.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The players showed great belief on Saturday. I don’t think anyone could say they didn’t. They dominated one of the best sides in this division and were extremely unfortunate not to have got all three points. We should have won the game.

“The players do believe and they showed that we were not inferior to Sunderland. They accepted the challenge.

“Maybe a few years ago when we took over we had some mentally fragile players. That is the truth but we haven’t any more. That isn’t the case now and the players have to continue to rise to the challenge and cope with everything that is thrown at them.”