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This time last year we found ourselves in the Second Division for the first time since the unforgettable 1996-97 season. We of course regained our place in Division One at the first time of asking, and after the disappointment of relegation from Division One two years ago, it shows the character of our players, the great leadership of Dario Gradi and the excellent backing of the supporters is as strong as ever to bounce straight back.
The promotion back up to the First Division provided us with some great memories: The scores filtering through at Loftus Road and the realisation of what the lads had achieved; the late, great show at Boundary Park and the pitch invasion and partying after the Cardiff match at Gresty Road all live long in the memory.
Dario celebrated his 20th year in charge of the railwaymen in the summer and was officially recognised by the local council along with loyal Chairman John Bowler for their outstanding contribution for the Crewe and Nantwich area.
David Vaughan and Steve Jones both made the step up to full international prominence, with the Welshman travelling to San Jose to play against the United States, and Steve Jones becoming an important part of the Northern Ireland set up. Don't worry Jonah, that elusive first goal will come soon.
The pre-season was a great success for the reds, with encouraging displays against Liverpool, Everton, Port Vale and Tranmere all thoroughly exciting the fans. They provided us with a great taste of what to expect from the season, as well as the chance to say goodbye to two Crewe legends in the shape of Steve Macauley and Shaun Smith, who said an emotional farewell to the fans that adored them for ten years.
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Dario's much publicised heart operation and absence in September hit the players quite hard, with Neil Baker and Steve Holland taking the reigns and it coincided with the side recording a poor run of results. The Return of the King (Sorry...I had to get a Lord of the Rings mention in here somewhere!!) saw normal service resumed with an excellent 3-0 home win over Derby.
The home performances have really gone to show that we are more than capable of holding our own in Division One - beating Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Reading all showed the confidence, talent and ability that our squad of players possess. It is frightening to think that the majority of them are young lads who have not yet fully developed. When the likes of Deano, Foz and Vaughany are fully developed, they will surely grace the Premiership. The future is looking as bright as ever.
Lastly, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from CreweAlex.com.