Crewe Alexandra overview

Crewe Alexandra vs Harrogate Town AFC

INTRO:

Crewe Alexandra founded in 1877 have spent most of their history in the lower divisions of English football earning themselves notable successes in the club’s history such as promotion to League One in 2011/12 and 2019/20 as well as winning The Football League Trophy in 2013. The Cheshire side earned their nickname of ‘The Railwaymen’ due to Crewe’s historical association with the railway industry, as the town became a key railway hub during the 19th century.

Playing in the distinct colours of red and white is central to the club’s identity alongside their home ground Gresty Road which has been Crewe’s home since 1906 with a capacity of over 10,000. The year 1983 was one of significance for Crewe as the club appointed Dario Gradi as manager who was at the helm for The Railwaymen until 2011. Under the Italian-born manager, Gradi built an academy structure to nurture young talent which has proved successful with key players like David Platt, Dean Ashton, and Nick Powell making their mark after coming through the ranks.

Presently, Crewe have cemented themselves as one of the front runners to be promoted out of League Two to the third tier of English football. Ending last season in 6th position meant a play-off journey in which they saw off Doncaster in the semi-final, coming back from two goals down before a narrow 2-0 loss in the play-off final against Crawley Town. The Railwaymen will be keen to go one step further this campaign and they’re certainly on their way to doing this due to currently sitting in 2nd place under manager Lee Bell.

MANAGER:

Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell took on the position in December 2022 after a successful stint as the club’s assistant manager and subsequently interim manager. Bell has been a dedicated figure at the club for several years both on and off the pitch by having a notable playing career with Crewe as well as the likes of Burton Albion, and Mansfield Town and initially joined the club’s youth system before progressing to senior football with The Railwaymen.

In his first full season as manager, Bell reached the play-off final which earned the backing of the club and fans to kick on this season. Following a strong start to this League Two campaign the Cheshire club confirmed that Bell turned down an approach from another club, opting to remain at his boyhood club at get them promotion back to League One after three seasons in the 4th tier.

3 KEY PLAYERS:

Jack Lankester:

The 24-year-old forward Jack Lankester has been The Railwaymen’s standout performer this season having found the net on 7 occasions with 6 assists to go with in in 19 league appearances this season. The main man progressing through his boyhood club’s academy Ipswich Town before breaking into the first team squad in 2018/19 where he played 11 times in his debut season at Portman Road however, due to injury and subsequent surgery this kept the forward out of action until April 2020.

Lankester joined Crewe in June 2024 on a three-year deal where he’s made a fast start to life in red and white becoming their main talisman having joined from League One side Cambridge United where he struggled to make an impact. With standout performances scoring and assisting against Grimsby and Bromley, Lankester will be look to continue his good form to earn Crewe promotion.

Omar Bogle:

Crewe Alexandra signed the EFL journeyman Omar Bogle on a two-year contract in the summer following his release from fellow League Two outfit Newport County. Having scored 24 goals for the Welsh side in two seasons, he is renowned for being a clinical goalscorer. The 31-year-old began his career at Solihull Moors before making a name for himself at clubs such as Grimsby, Cardiff, and Doncaster.

Finishing the 2022/23 season as Newport County’s top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions highlighted interest from other clubs. With the forward being released a year later, this allowed Crewe to swoop in to sign Bogle on a free transfer.

Bogle has taken to life in Cheshire well forming a promising strike partnership with Lankester who have caused opposition numerous problems together. Bogle himself has found the net five times in the League including a well-taken brace in a 4-1 win against Bromley at the beginning of the calendar year.

Ryan Cooney

Defender Ryan Cooney has been a staple in the Crewe defence this season being a reliable part of the backline making 23 league appearances out of a possible 25. The right-back has been given a new lease of life under manger Lee Bell by adding goals and assists to his game in a wing-back system. With 7 combined goals and assists in League Two this campaign, he has shown his prowess in the final third as well as the defensive.

Having been at League Two strugglers Morecambe for four seasons before making the move to Chesire, the defender won promotion to League One via the play-offs with the club before being released by The Shrimps following their relegation back to the 4th tier. Since then,

Cooney has cemented his role at Gresty Road after signing on a two-year deal in June 2023.