David Artell

Number 5

D.O.B.

22/11/1980

Birthplace

Rotherham

Height

6ft 2in

Position

Defender

Signed

16th June 2010

Fee

Free

Former Clubs

Morecambe, Chester, Mansfield, Shrewsbury, Rotherham

Pen Pic

Already well travelled with over 350 appearances across six clubs in his career, Big David Artell arrived in the summer of 2010 with hope from Dario he would add both height and experience at both ends of the pitch when it came to set pieces.

It perhaps didn't work out quite as well as anticipated. The aerial threat Artell offered seemed to be nullified early into last season with four of his five goals in the season coming inside the first two months. The Alex also continued to leak goals at a rapid rate despite Artell being a mainstay in the back four.

Like many Alex centre halves, Artell's a defender who can have his 'moments' despite most of the time looking fairly comfortable. He perhaps wasn't helped by the revolving door when it came to his centre half partner. A full 2011-2012 season with a regular centre half partnership could well bring out the best in Artell. Barring injury, hes almost certainly going to be ever present in the coming season but with the club having gone nine years since conceded less than 65 in one season, there's definitely pressure on Dario & defenders alike to plug that constant leak.