League Two Insight: Crewe Alexandra

Ahead of the Spireites’ return to the Football League and League Two, we are taking a look at all 23 other teams that make up the division.

We are continuing with Crewe Alexandra:

FACT FILE

Team Name: Crewe Alexandra Football Club

Nickname: The Railwaymen

Year Founded: 1877

Stadium: Mornflake Stadium

Capacity: 10,153

2023/24 SEASON

Crewe Alexandra started the 2023/24 League Two season in a good run of form. By the end of November, they had only tasted defeat three times in the league. A poor December run briefly tripped Lee Bell’s side up, but they came back with a vengeance – losing once in their next ten games. The Railwaymen struggled in the back end of the season, winning twice from the start of March. They did make the play-offs but came up against Doncaster Rovers, the league’s form team. After a first leg defeat, Crewe clawed back their two-goal deficit to beat the Yorkshire side on penalties. However, they lost 2-0 to Crawley Town in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

MANAGER

Lee Bell started his career with Crewe Alexandra after coming through the club’s academy. He spent five years with the Alex before moving on. However, he would return in 2010 and spend another two years with team. During his two stints with Crewe, he won two promotions – ten years apart. After retiring, he spent time in the club ‘s academy system as a coach and manager before being appointed as first-team manager in November 2022. The 41-year-old has taken to management well as he almost guided Crewe to another promotion this season.

KEY PLAYER

Mickey Demetriou has become a regular for many Football League sides since making the step up in 2014. As well as his commanding presence at the back, he also has shown his attacking intent.

Last season in numbers:

Appearances – 55

Goals – 10

Assists – 6

Yellow Cards – 6

Red Cards – 0

Minutes Played – 4,719

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Ryan Colclough started his career with Crewe Alexandra, signing his first professional contract in 2012. He made sporadic appearances during his first three seasons at the club before really finding his feet during the 2015/16 campaign. The winger scored seven times in by January as he secured a move to Wigan Athletic.

In January 2023, Colclough joined Chesterfield from fellow National League side Altrincham. He quickly became a fan favourite and continued that form into the following season. So far, the 29-year-old has played 58 times for the Spireites and has scored 14 times.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

P 84     W 41     D 14     L 29

Chesterfield have had the upper hand when it comes to head-to-head meetings with Crewe Alexandra – winning almost half of the fixtures. However, the Railwaymen have come away from the last two games against the Spireites with two victories.

PREVIOUS GAME

On Boxing Day in 2017, both teams were in search of a win that would help with their survival hopes. Former Spireite Chris Porter made an early breakaway down the right side before seeing his deflected effort deceive Jake Eastwood and find the back of the net. Charlie Kirk doubled Crewe’s lead midway through the first half with a low shot from an acute angle. Chesterfield battled for a way back into the game but were condemned to a home defeat.