Lee Bell says the reunion with David Artell will have no bearing on Crewe Alexandra’s trip to Grimsby Town tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

Former Alex captain and boss Artell has taken the reins at Grimsby, and the visit of The Railwaymen will be his first fixture at Blundell Park.

But Bell, who played alongside Artell in Crewe’s 2012 promotion team, says that will play no part in his thinking as he aims for three points.

“It makes no difference to me or Dave,” he said.

“We have just got to look after our respective football clubs. We will prepare in the same way and I’m sure Dave will be focused on introducing the things he wants to, in the short period of time he has been there.

“He will know our younger players but there has been quite a big turnaround of players here. Anyway, I’m sure Dave will have other things on his mind rather than our players.”

Artell played 82 time for Crewe, between 2010-2012, before returning as Academy Manager. He was Manager between 2017-2022, leading the club to promotion in 2020.