They also reached the final of the Football League Trophy losing 2–1 to Stoke City.
Tony Pulis was appointed as manager for City's return to Division Two, but a mediocre first half of the season (including failing to win a single league game in October or November) saw the alarming possibility of a second successive relegation battle, rather than a promotion challenge.
Just after the turn of the year, Pulis left to become manager of Portsmouth, and coach Tony Fawthrop took over for the remainder of the season, assisted by Leroy Rosenior.
A much-improved second half of the season saw a respectable 9th place finish, and while Fawthrop initially accepted the manager's job on a permanent basis at the end of the season, he changed his mind and opted to focus on his business interests outside of football.
Danny Wilson was therefore recruited as the manager to lead them into the next season.