IT almost feels strange to view finishing 12th in League One as a missed opportunity just two seasons after we were finishing in the same position, but a league lower.

Yet in this strangest of seasons it is also worth noting that we finished the highest of the promoted

sides, recouped £1m in transfer fees and with just a bit more luck may have been in the shake up for the play-offs.

In fact, up until January, the underlying data had Crewe as one of the top three sides in the division. At one point they were placed as top. There is no doubt the sale of Perry Ng and Harry Pickering in January affected results, but our hands were ultimately tied by Ng's expiring contract and the growing interest around Pickering.

Pickering and Charlie Kirk's partnership was never the same down the left and a raft of injury problems on the right means the search for Ng's replacement will go on into next season. Their departures were inevitable and while there is never a 'right' time for a player to leave, January outgoings never bode well for Crewe Alex (remember Dean Ashton?).

Despite the trials and tribulations of this Covid-hit season, we cannot forget the scintillating football that was on display at times. The emergence of Owen Dale, the class of Tom Lowery and the signing of Mika Mandron (who was my player of the season).

Crewe now have the solid foundations from which to establish themselves as a genuine League One outfit. Off the pitch, work is being done quietly to increase all aspects of commercial activity and with the resignation of John Bowler in March this genuinely feels like the start of a new era at the club.

Despite the optimism, some fans will be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu; just eight years ago we finished 13th in our first season back in League One and watched as our best players were sold on, blissfully unaware the next three seasons were to be some of the worst at Gresty Road in decades.

Yet where Dave Artell differs from Steve Davis is in his system-based, process-driven approach. It felt like Davis was largely reliant on a few outstanding academy players and once they had departed, he became entirely dependent on the loan market for cast offs from Championship clubs.

It was Davis' poor relationship with many of the academy graduates and ultimately the breakdown in their pathway to the first team that cost him his job.

It is going to be a busy pre-season at Gresty Road, with as many as ten players expected to be

brought in over the summer. Artell's recruitment so far has been largely excellent and not only has

he found the right players, but also the right characters. Crewe fans have seen too many Cameron Park's over the years to get carried away just yet, but the management have steadily earnt our trust.

There was also the feeling the squad needed refreshing towards the end of season and that this

squad had reached the end of its cycle. There is much to look forward to in August, not least several mouth-watering away days and the prospect of a packed Gresty Road once more.

As we move towards next season, we should remember those who have been so crucial in our

success over the last two seasons; the likes of Ryan Wintle, Eddie Nolan, Olly Lancashire and Daniel Powell, who all move on with our best wishes and our gratitude.

And as the incredible advances in science and medicine slowly easy the restrictions that we have all felt over the last 18 months, we should not forget the impact of the time away on our fanbase.

We take a moment to reflect, and to remember those whose seats will remain empty in August. Linda Flevill, Vice Chairman of the Railwaymen Supporters Society and a lifelong Crewe Alex fan.

And we remember Chris Lawson, another red taken far too soon.

May they rest in peace.

So, in August when you walk through the turnstiles and take your seat, look around for those faces you haven't seen since last December, or maybe even since last March. Take a second to stop and give a smile or ask how they are.

For life is too short and it is time to get back to enjoying the things we love most. Here is to a great summer and successful 2021-22 season. Up the Alex!