Lee Bell says Crewe Alexandra players must be prepared for the high demands he will place on them.

The former Alex player, who stepped up to take charge of the team on an interim basis last week, enjoyed a 1-0 FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient in his first match.

Now, Bell has a full week to work with his players ahead of Saturday’s visit of Colchester United (3pm).

He said: “I’ve already told the players they need to be ready for what I’m going to demand from them, physically and mentally.

“It’s going to be for them, and to benefit us, and to help us win football matches.  

“Hopefully, I can get my teeth into it and we can work on some things I want to improve. 

“The job we’ve got is to get the goalscorers scoring, and the flair players expressing themselves more. I want them to play with more freedom and excitement.

“Momentum is big in football, and the win over Orient was a starting point.”