Hard work will keep Crewe Alexandra players’ feet on the ground.

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who says his men will not get carried away by their strong start to the season.

The Railwaymen will carry a six-game unbeaten run into Saturday’s game at Salford City, and they lie third in the table after 11 games.

But Bell says the work ethic he demands will prevent any complacency.

“I want the players to be confident and not fear anybody going into games,” he explained.

“But the players’ feet will stay firmly on the ground because they know they have to work hard.

“Everything we do is based around us working hard and being able to match whatever the opposition throw at us.

“We’ll know if people aren’t working hard because it’s all backed up by stats and data. That’s an easy gauge to keep us on the right track.”

Bell is also confident in his squad’s mentality and character.

He added: “They want to achieve something as a group. They are together and determined to train well every day – that’s the thing that’s really impressed me.

“If you want to do well in any sport you need that togetherness and have people pulling in the same direction, and we have that.”