Crewe...2 Rotherham...0

CREWE ended their five-year run in Division One with victory over Rotherham, on Sunday.

And the fact that they won't be among the Football League's elite come August, still hasn't properly sunk in yet.

It's been a strange season.

Does the fact that we've gone down on goal difference make it any worse?

Not really, it just increases the if's and but's that won't go away until it all kicks-off again and an opportunity to put it right begins.

Just who will be here and who won't be at the Alexandra Stadium when that time comes is the big question - that means both supporters and players.

Speculation runs rife over the man who tried to spark the goal miracle Crewe needed in the very first minute against the Millers.

The battling attitude of Rodney Jack over the past few games has been as surprising as it has impressive.

He's given it everything and almost netted immediately from kick-off as the Alex delivered on Gradi's promise to go for it.

If Jack is on his way out with reportedly a year left on his contract, it's just as surprising.

With news of Wolves' early lead against Wednesday, everything needed to go in.

Jack and Ashton went close before the latter struck the bar with Lunt putting in the rebound, repelled as far as Rodney who hit a sweet half-volley into the back of the net on 26 minutes.

Lee almost replied for Rotherham but seven minutes later it was 2-0 as Smith whipped in a wicked free-kick and Sodje headed home from close range.

Hulse was unlucky not to make it three with a near identical move as Crewe finished the first half well on top.

Reports that Wednesday had equalised ended any little hopes and made the second half a formality.

Rob Hulse, definitely the Guardian's player of the season, was withdrawn along with Sorvel, as the Alex started to wilt as realisation hit home.

Both sides had their chances, it didn't matter though.

Alex fans were already singing about a quick return as champions.

Let's hope they're right, after the backing they have given their side in such despair, they deserve it.

Crewe: Bankole, Wright, Smith, Sodje, Walton (Foster 83), Sorvel (Collins 46), Whalley, Lunt, Jack, Ashton, Hulse (Tait 46).

Subs not used: Ince, Vaughan.

Attendance - 7,904.