Northampton Town defender Artell loaned to Wrexham to get games under his belt

Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd has admitted David Artell has been loaned out to Wrexham as he is too far down the pecking order at Sixfields to be guaranteed regular football.

Artell has today joined Blue Square Premier leaders Wrexham on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The former Crewe Alexandra skipper hasn’t played for the Cobblers since October, having undergone surgery for an Achilles injury.

He is now fit again, but finds finds several players in front of him in the central defensive positions, with Kelvin Langmead, Clarke Carlisle, Lee Collins and Ben Tozer all having played there in recent matches.

“David has found his opportunities limited,” admitted boss Aidy Boothroyd.

“He is fit again now and he needs to be playing regular football.

“We have a lot of competition for places in defence and it won’t do David any good to be sat on the bench.

“He hasn’t played for almost five months and he needs games between now and the end of the season.

“This move frees up another position in the squad should we need it moving towards the loan deadline in the next few weeks.

“Wrexham are local to where David lives so it is a logical move for all parties.”

Although the deal sees Artell at the Racecourse Ground until the end of the campaign, he can be recalled to Sixfields if the club is hit by injuries later in the season.

A club statement confirmed: “The club has a recall option on Artell after the first 28 days as per registration rules.”

Artell joined the Cobblers in the summer after being released by Crewe, who he skippered to promotion play-off glory at Wembley last May.

He has to date made 14 appearances for the club, scoring four times.

His most recent game for Town was back on October 9 in the 2-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over Colchester United at Sixfields.

He is joining a Wrexham team that is currently two points clear in the top tier of non-League football, and is managed by Andy Morrell.