During the late 20th century the club enjoyed something of a renaissance under the management of Dario Gradi, playing in the First Division – the second tier of the professional pyramid – for five seasons from 1997 to 2002. Crewe Alexandra play in League One (the third tier), having been promoted from League Two Two in June 2020. In 2013 the club won its first major silverware after beating Southend United 2–0 in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley.