Lee Bell says his Crewe Alexandra side will be going all out to take three points from one of the men he respects most in football, when they visit Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town.

The former midfielder twice played under Clough at Burton Albion, and he revealed the Stags boss has been generous with support and advice in recent weeks.

But Bell, who was appointed as permanent Crewe boss in December, says at 3pm on Saturday it will be all about the points at stake,

He said: “Nigel was brilliant to me when I was younger, I played for him twice and he’s an absolutely brilliant fella.

“And he’s been good to me since I’ve been in the job - I’m looking forward to seeing him.

“He’s said he’s always at the end of a phone for me, and likewise with other managers I’ve worked for – they've been great and there’s been loads of encouragement.  

“But as soon as the whistle goes we’ll be looking to get three points against a really good, experienced Mansfield team. We’re excited for the game, but it will be tough.”

Two late goals earned Mansfield all three points at Mornflake Stadium earlier this season, after Courtney Baker-Richardson had given The Railwaymen the lead.

The Alex will be aiming to avenge that defeat and add to the two wins on the road they have managed so far this term.

Bell added: “Our away record over recent times hasn’t been great, and that’s something we want to put right. It’s down to us to put the team into a shape and with the right tactics that we feel can get a result.”