Midfielder keen to keep continuity ahead of Plymouth visit
Burton Albion midfielder Lee Bell believes that stability is the key ahead of Saturday’s game against Plymouth Argyle following the departure of manager Gary Rowett on Monday.
Bell and captain Ian Sharps have been asked to assist caretaker manager Mike Whitlow in running the team whilst a new manager is appointed, and preserving Rowett’s influence is vital to the 31-year-old.
“You don’t mess with something that isn’t broken really so we’re basically keeping everything the same, keeping the boys focused on what’s ahead.
“We’re third in the league and the players can take some credit in that, we’re obviously pleased for the manager to get his opportunity at Birmingham but you know the players can take some credit for where we are in the league as well.
“We’ve trained as we would do so just as normal really. We’ve had a little meeting between us three and we have similar ideas. We’ve put them across but there’s not going to be much of a change in the way we go about things day to day,” said Bell.
Bell spoke of his surprise that he was asked to help along with Sharps, but said that he was happy to be asked and would do anything to help keep the feeling of optimism around the Pirelli Stadium.
“I wasn’t really expecting it, obviously there were rumours the gaffer was leaving, I got a phone call from the chairman and I’m happy to help out.
“I’m delighted to help out in the short term. Anything we can do to help Whits (Mike Whitlow) or the players, Sharpy (Ian Sharps) and I are here to help.”
Bell also believes that the relationship between coaching staff and players will help maintain the positivity.
“As professionals you respect each other. Whoever was asked to do this role would have got full support from all the players. We’re not doing massive amounts but what we think can help and that’s it really, things like encouraging in training. So hopefully we’ve got respect like all footballers have got respect for each other.
Bell looked forward to what looks to be an interesting match-up against another in-form side in Plymouth, who notched up their sixth win in seven after a resounding 3-0 win at home to Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
“There’s no easy games is there. They’re doing really well at the minute, they can leapfrog us in the league so we’ll be ready for the game and we’ll certainly be looking forward to it.