He was brought from Colchester United in July 2000 for free after spells with Luton Town, Macclesfield Town and Stevenage Borough. He impressed in his first season and the Crewe fans took him to their hearts with his characteristic style of defending and willingness to take the time to speak to fans and do charity work.
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The first step of Sodje's downfall came in February 2000 before a home game with Burnley. Gradi didn't include Sodje in the squad to play the Clarets so the Nigerian reportedly stormed off from the ground, not returning in the starting line up for two months.
Sodje enjoyed a successful international season in 2001-02, playing for his beloved Super Eagles against Eritrea, Paraguay, Scotland, Kenya, Republic of Ireland and Jamaica before the dream call-up to the World Cup. He played against Argentina and England and made a thoroughly good account of himself.
His domestic season was depressingly low as Crewe were painfully and maybe undeservedly relegated to the Second Division. Even worse for Sodje, he was constantly singled out by Gradi for making mistakes. Fans accused Gradi of exhibiting double standards, as he often took a sympathetic view of academy graduates such as Steve Foster and David Wright but was always at hand to criticise fans favourite Sodje.
Sodje claimed that his World Cup adventure as no consolidation for being relegated and he would do all he could to get Crewe promoted. He was voted Fans' Player of the Year but relations with the boss were strained - Gradi and Sodje were reportedly not on speaking terms.
Last season Sodje began the season wobbly, returning to Crewe after a Malaria scare. He was woeful against Northampton and Notts. County so Gradi punished him by rarely playing him, and when he did, it was at right back.
The nail in the coffin for Sodje was the sending off against Wigan Athletic. The dangerous lunge on Lee McCulloch followed by the ridiculously judged elbow sealed his fate. Despondent Dario fumed that he would not stand for that kind of play and that he would never be seen in Crewe colours again.
He was though and was solid and made no mistakes, but Dario still said he would be allowed to leave if someone came in for him. Sodje declared that he would stay and was determined to fight for his place, but following the clubs statement that he is unwanted, it looks bleak for Sodje.
Its amazing how the situation has changed to quickly. He was arguably the clubs best defender in 2000-01, yet he was largely unneeded last season. However, the clubs defensive situation is critical. Richard Walker and Chris McCready are inexperienced and question marks remain as to are they physically and mentally ready for Division One. Adrian Moses is a very ordinary defender from what I have seen of him. Three relegations with Barnsley and Huddersfield says it all.
I urge the club to re-evalute its decision to let Sodje go. There may be a time when we really, really need him.
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