 He was appointed manager of Crewe Alexandra in January 2017 and went on to lead the club to promotion out of League Two at the end of the 2019–20 season.Artell began his career with hometown club Rotherham United, making his debut as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat by Swansea City at Vetch Field on 12 October 1999 – this was his only appearance as the "Millers" won promotion as runners-up in the Third Division.He scored his first senior goal on 23 September 2000, in a 1–1 draw with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.