The 2005-06 campaign delivered the heartbreaking end of an era for Crewe Alexandra as The Railwaymen's long spell in the Championship concluded with a 22nd-place finish and relegation to League One. Despite a late-season rally, their fate was sealed in April. The season's one bright spot was the sensational emergence of young utility man Billy Jones, who, despite playing in defence and midfield, led the club's league scoring alongside Luke Rodgers with 6 goals, a performance that earned him the Player of the Year award. It was a tumultuous year that marked a difficult, yet defining, chapter in the club's modern history.