Artell Issues Rallying Call

David Artell has spoken passionately about getting the support of fans after the team was booed off the pitch during defeat at Macclesfield Town last week.

Speaking before last night`s win over Southend, the captain said he was disappointed with fans reactions at Macclesfield as the team left the pitch at half time to a chorus of boos from the 500 strong traveling support.

The Alex are chasing the play-offs spots but are currently a rut of seven straight away defeats, Artell believes that the fans can make the difference on the road and is asking for a bit more patience.

He told BBC Radio Stoke:

"I`m not going to sit here and knock the fans, they`re entitled to their opinion.

"I thought it was a bit harsh of them to boo us off at half time at Macclesfield and on Saturday I thought they were ready to go again at 0-0.

"I think away from home we do need that extra impetus, we haven`t won on the road for a long time which is abysmal.

"When you want that extra man, that extra impetus, then your fans do play a part, it`s as simple as that. At Macclesfield, maybe if they had got behind us a bit more then maybe we would have scored a goal. I know it sounds like an excuse but it`s not at all.

"It just shows a part the fans can play and maybe, as players go home and think about their performance and how to improve, the fans have gone home and thought "maybe if we encouraged them a little bit more somebody might have gone that extra yard". It might sound inconsequential from a fan`s point of view but it`s not, we can all do better.

"I`m not trying to say cheer us on at all costs, football`s not about that."

Artell certainly isn't afraid to offer up his opinion and he's probably correct in what he says.

A position in the play-offs could well rest on our away form and if players believe the fans can make the difference on those trips then surely we should do everything to help.

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