2009–10 Crewe Alexandra F.C. season explained

Club:	Crewe Alexandra
League:	League Two
Cup1:	FA Cup
Cup2:	League Cup
Cup1 Result:	First round
Cup2 Result:	First round
Cup3:	Football League Trophy
Cup3 Result:	First round
Chairman:	John Bowler
Manager:	Guðjón Þórðarson Dario Gradi
League Result:	18th
Season:	2009–2010
League Topscorer:	Calvin Zola (15)
Season Topscorer:	Calvin Zola (18)
Highest Attendance:	6,943 (vs Port Vale, 17 October 2009)
Lowest Attendance:	2,331 (vs Stockport County, 1 September 2009)
Stadium:	Gresty Road
Prevseason:	2008–09
Nextseason:	2010–11

This article details Crewe Alexandra's 2009–10 season in League Two, their 86th competitive season in the English Football League.

Events

This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club before and during the 2009–10 season, presented in chronological order.

2009

Pre-season

• 2 May: Crewe are relegated to League Two after a 3–0 loss at home to League One champions Leicester City.
• 7 May: Manager Gudjon Thordarson releases 10 players from the squad, including captain Julien Baudet to the MLS, leading to 19 players being left from the previous season.
• 19 May: Pre-season games are announced against three Premier League sides, Wigan Athletic, a Wolverhampton Wanderers select XI and Birmingham City.
• 21 May: Crewe announce their first signing of the summer, with central defender Patrick Ada signing from Histon, while assistant manager, Neil Baker, leaves his position.
• 4 June: Chief scout Glyn Chamberlain leaves the club after four years.^[1] and Crewe make their first sale for money after Tom Pope agrees a £150,000 move to Rotherham United.
• 17 June: The same day the fixtures are released, Crewe announce that Nantwich Town manager Steve Davis has been appointed new assistant manager.^[2]
• 5 July: Prior to a 7–0 win over Newcastle Town in a friendly,^[3] Billy Jones is made the forthcoming season's captain, with Anthony Elding as vice-captain.^[4]

2009–10 season begins- August

• 8 August: Crewe start off their season with a 2–1 defeat at home by Dagenham & Redbridge.^[5]
• 11 August: Crewe's League Cup campaign ends in the first round after a 2–1 defeat at home to Championship side Blackpool.^[6]
• 15 August: Crewe get their two away wins of the season after a 0–4 win over Grimsby Town,^[7] then a narrow 0–1 win over Darlington three days later.^[8]
• 20 August: Tottenham Hotspur recall on-loan 'keeper David Button.^[9]
• 22 August: Crewe get their first win at home, and a third straight clean sheet with a 1–0 win over Hereford United after Billy Jones scored the rebound from his saved penalty kick.^[10]
• 29 August: Crewe fail to score for the first time this season, and suffer their first away loss after losing at Bournemouth 1–0.^[11]

September

• 1 September: Crewe lose in the Football League Trophy to Stockport County, the first Cheshire derby of the season.^[12] and re-sign David Button on loan until 3 January.^[13]
• 5 September: Crewe's second Cheshire derby of the season ends with a Crewe win, 2–1 against Macclesfield Town at home, to send Crewe up to fifth in the table.^[14]
• 12 September: Crewe travel 30 miles to Shrewsbury Town, where their inconsistent season continues with a 2–0 loss.^[15]
• 19 September: Crewe's 23 shots against Aldershot Town's six do not help as they lose 2–1.^[16]
• 25 September: Crewe honour Accrington Stanley's request to play on a Friday night to help with Accrington's debt, but end up losing 5–3.^[17]
• 29 September: Crewe have two men sent off in a match for the first time since 1996, in a 3–2 loss at home to Bury, with former Crewe striker Ryan Lowe scoring for the visitors.^[18]

October

• 2 October: Crewe part company with Gudjon Thordarson with immediate effect after a board meeting,^[19] with Dario Gradi again taking the position as caretaker manager.
• 9 October: Bolton Wanderers recall on loan goalkeeper Ádám Bogdán.^[20]
• 24 October: After Crewe lose away at Notts County,^[21] striker Anthony Elding is placed on the transfer list.^[22]
• 27 October: Tottenham Hotspur recall on loan 'keeper David Button again.^[23]

November

• 7 November: Crewe lose in the First round of the FA Cup to Blue Square Premier side York City.^[24]
• 21 November: Following Crewe's 2–2 draw away at Northampton Town, Crewe become the last Football League side to draw a game in the new season.

December

• 2 December: Steve Phillips saves two penalties as Crewe are the first team to win at Saltergate this season after a 3–2 win at 5th placed Chesterfield.^[25]
• 5 December: Crewe draw at home with Lincoln City 0–0, Crewe's first no-score draw of the season, and first since April 2009.^[26]
• 12 December: Crewe become the first team to beat Barnet at home after a 1–2 win.^[27] Matthew Tootle is later cleared of diving by the FA, but his yellow card is not rescinded.^[28]
• 19 December: Crewe's home match with Torquay United is postponed due to a frozen pitch at The Alexandra Stadium.^[29]
• 26 December: Crewe come from behind twice to secure a 2–2 draw with top of the table Rochdale, who were looking for a record sixth successive away win.^[30]
• 28 December: Crewe's final match of 2009 is a 4–1 loss away at Macclesfield Town.^[31] The result means Crewe finish the year in 12th position in the league.^[32]
• 29 December: Harry Worley's loan is extended until the end of the season.^[33]

2010

January

• 1 January: Crewe's first two games of the New Year against Hereford and Grimsby are postponed, due to the heavy snow around Britain.
• 5 January: Striker Anthony Elding and the club agree to mutually terminate Eldgin's contract with immediate effect.^[34]
• 6 January: Steve Phillips extends his loan until 30 May.^[35]

February

• 23 February: Crewe's match with Chesterfield is put back by 24 hours due to a bad weather forecast.

March

• 19 March: Crewe sign Lancaster City striker Jordan Connerton for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. Crewe loan Connerton back to Lancaster City for the remainder of the season.^[36] A-Jay Leitch-Smith also goes out on loan, to Curzon Ashton until the end of the season.^[37]

April

• 26 April: Ashley Westwood is awarded the Player of the Season award at the Crewe ASi Award Night. Westwood also picked up the Newcomer of the Season award, whilst Calvin Zola's goal against Bradford City on 10 October is voted as the Goal of the Season.^[38]
• 27 April: Crewe retain the Cheshire Premier Cup after an extra-time win over Macclesfield Town at Gresty Road.

May

• 1 May: Assistant Manager Steve Davis takes control of the first team's goalless draw at Rotherham United whilst Dario Gradi went on scouting duties.^[39]
• 8 May: Crewe's final match of the season is a 1–0 loss at home to Bradford City, leaving Crewe finishing 18th in the league table.

Players

Squad information

Appearances (starts and substitute appearances) and goals include those in the League (and playoffs), FA Cup, League Cup and Football League Trophy.

Squad stats

Awards

Individual

Date	width=30		width=30	P	width=30			Award	Notes
17 Aug 2009	10	FW		Zola	League Two Team of the Week	Source
24 Aug 2009	13	GK		Legzdins	League Two Team of the Week	Source
12 Oct 2009	10	FW		Zola	League Two Team of the Week	Source
October 2009	10	FW		Zola	PFA Player-of-the-Month	Source
2 Nov 2009	20	DF		Shelley	League Two Team of the Week	Source
2 Nov 2009	4	MF		Schumacher	League Two Team of the Week	Source
2 Nov 2009	10	FW		Zola	League Two Team of the Week	Source
7 Dec 2009	23	DF		Tootle	League Two Team of the Week	Source
12 Dec 2009	11	MF		Grant	League Two Team of the Week	Source
25 Jan 2010	11	MF		Grant	League Two Team of the Week	Source
22 Feb 2010	19	DF		Westwood	League Two Team of the Week	Source
8 Mar 2010	8	FW		Donaldson	League Two Team of the Week	Source
29 Mar 2010	12	DF		Mitchel-King	League Two Team of the Week	Source
26 Apr 2010	19	DF		Westwood	League Two Team of the Week	Source
26 Apr 2010	10	FW		Zola	League Two Team of the Week	Source
3 May 2010	13	GK		Legzdins	League Two Team of the Week	Source

Players in and out

Out

Club

Kits

Competitions

League Two

Results by round

Matches

Pre-season friendlies

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chamberlain: "Its Been Terrific" . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308224249/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1686162,00.html . 8 March 2012 . 8 March 2012.
2. Web site: Davis Appointed New Assistant Manager . 17 June 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308224419/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1695019,00.html . 8 March 2012 . 8 March 2012.
3. Web site: Crewe Hit Seven At Newcastle . 6 July 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090710034234/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1714023,00.html . 10 July 2009 . 10 July 2009.
4. Web site: Gudjon: Good To Get Amongst The Goal . 5 July 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090707095757/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1714034,00.html . 7 July 2009 . 7 July 2009.
5. Web site: Crewe 1–2 Dagenham & R. 8 August 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090810070643/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~49134,00.html. 10 August 2009. 10 August 2009.
6. Web site: Crewe 1–2 Blackpool. 11 August 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090814133534/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~49710,00.html. 14 August 2009. 14 August 2009.
7. News: Grimsby 0–4 Crewe. 15 August 2009. BBC Sport. 23 March 2020. en-GB.
8. News: Darlington 0–1 Crewe. 18 August 2009. BBC Sport. 23 March 2020. en-GB.
9. Web site: Button Recalled By Tottenham . 20 August 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120308225537/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1762321,00.html . 8 March 2012 . 8 March 2012.
10. Web site: Hereford Match Report . 22 August 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090826171221/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10414~47343%2C00.html . 26 August 2009 . 26 August 2009.
11. Web site: Bournemouth 0–0 Crewe . 29 August 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090826171241/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~47298,00.html . 26 August 2009 . 26 August 2009.
12. Web site: Crewe 1–4 Stockport . 1 September 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091206091347/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~50707,00.html . 6 December 2009 . 6 December 2009.
13. Web site: Crewe Re-Sign Button On Loan . 1 September 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120323171151/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1784717,00.html . 23 March 2012 . 23 March 2012.
14. Web site: Crewe Alexandra Match Match Report 05 September 2009, Crewe 2 - 1 Macclesfield. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090907164449/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~48690,00.html. 2009-09-07.
15. News: Shrewsbury 2–0 Crewe. 12 September 2009. BBC Sport. 23 March 2020. en-GB.
16. Web site: Aldershot Match Report. 7 November 2020.
17. Web site: Accrington 5–3 Crewe . 1 September 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091206093420/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~47620,00.html . 6 December 2009 . 25 September 2009.
18. News: Crewe 2–3 Bury. 29 September 2009. BBC Sport. 23 March 2020. en-GB.
19. Web site: Crewe Part Company with Gudjon. 7 November 2020.
20. Web site: Bogdan Recalled By Bolton. 7 November 2020.
21. Web site: Notts County 2–0 Crewe . 24 October 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091027020835/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~48322,00.html . 27 October 2009 . 27 October 2009.
22. Web site: Elding Placed On The Transfer List. 7 November 2020.
23. Web site: Button Recalled By Spurs . 27 October 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091201005615/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1838575,00.html . 1 December 2009 . 1 December 2009.
24. Web site: York Match Report. 7 November 2020.
25. Web site: Chesterfield 2–3 Crewe . 2 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091205064555/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~48529,00.html . 5 December 2009 . 5 December 2009. Chesterfield Match Report
26. Web site: Crewe 0–0 Lincoln City . 5 December 2009 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091208144816/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~48569,00.html . 8 December 2009 . 8 December 2009.
27. News: Barnet 1–2 Crewe. 12 December 2009. BBC Sport. 23 March 2020. en-GB.
28. Web site: Tootle Name Is Cleared . 18 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091222173709/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1908921,00.html . 22 December 2009 . 22 December 2009.
29. Web site: Torquay Game Off . 19 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120405200401/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1909872,00.html . 5 April 2012 . 5 April 2012.
30. Web site: Crewe 2–2 Rochdale . 26 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120405200415/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~47832,00.html . 5 April 2012 . 5 April 2012.
31. Web site: Macclesfield 4–1 Crewe . 28 December 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100211143008/http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~47885,00.html . 11 February 2010 . 11 February 2010.
32. Web site: League Two table as of: 28 December 2019 . www.11v11.com . 22 March 2020.
33. Web site: Worley extends loan deal at Crewe . 29 December 2012 . BBC Sport . en-GB . 22 March 2020.
34. Web site: Elding Departs Crewe Alexandra . 5 January 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120405204926/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1922450,00.html . 5 April 2012 . 5 April 2012.
35. Web site: Phillips Agrees Loan Extension . 6 January 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120405204932/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1924946,00.html . 5 April 2012 . 5 April 2012.
36. Web site: Connerton Cannot Hide Delight . 19 March 2010 . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120405204941/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~1999234,00.html . 5 April 2012 . 5 April 2012.
37. Web site: AJ Joins Curzon Ashton On Loan. 7 November 2020.
38. Web site: Crewe ASi Award Night . 26 April 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100428070206/http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~2035190,00.html . 28 April 2010 . 28 April 2010.
39. http://www.crewealex.net/page/MatchReport/0,,10414~47490,00.html Rotherham vs Crewe