Football Season Review

Crewe Alexandra finished the 2017/18 season in encouraging fashion despite another testing year under manager David Artell. The Railwaymen have endured an extremely difficult 18 months both on and off the pitch, following revelations from former player Andy Woodward against former coach Barry Bennell. The ensuing sex scandal rocked football across the globe and the club are still embroiled in the aftermath. On the pitch Artell has faced a series of challenges which included the loss of defensive trio Ben Nugent, Jon Guthrie and Ollie Turton. He was also without the injured duo of defender George Ray and midfielder James Jones and despite making a positive start to the season, they soon found themselves sliding down the table into another relegation battle. They developed the frustrating habit of conceding late goals and it wasn’t until spring had sprung that they finally found some form, winning six of their last nine matches and finish in 15th place in the League Two table. They had the joint-second worse defensive record in the division, conceding 75 goals in their 46 matches. It was Artell’s additions in the January transfer window which made the difference, most notably midfielder Paul Green’s arrival on loan from Oldham Athletic. The return of both George Ray and James Jones was also crucial and softened the blow of losing winger George Cooper. Eddie Nolan was voted player of the season and appears to have finally found a home. Arguably the most impressive factor was the form of a number of young players in Harry Pickering, Perry Ng, Callum Ainley, Ryan Finney and Tom Lowery. They named a completely home grown starting XI in their final home game of the season and there is finally signs of encouragement for Artell heading into the summer.

Player of the Season: Eddie Nolan