During the 1996–97 English football season, Crewe Alexandra F.C.
In the 1996–97 season, Crewe had a great season by reaching the play-offs by finishing in the final play-off position, which was achieved on the final day by earning a 1–1 draw at York that was required as Blackpool had scored more goals which meant knowing a defeat and a Blackpool win at Wrexham would see Crewe slip out of the top six and Blackpool would have still had a chance of promotion.
Blackpool though lost 2–1 so it didn't matter in the end with Crewe's result.
In the play-offs, they beat Luton, who just missed out on automatic promotion, 4–3 on aggregate to get to Wembley and achieved promotion with a 1–0 win against Brentford.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.