[2] Dean Bouzanis, Robbie Simpson, Connor Hughes, Liam Jacob, Alex Cisak, Lee Croft and Dan Taylor were all released at the end of the 2012–13 season with new contracts handed to Glenn Belezika, Cliff Byrne, Connor Brown, David Mellor, James Tarkowski and Kirk Millar as well as youngsters Joe Cooper, Chris Sutherland, Luke Simpson and Danny Gosset.

In their place, Johnson signed wingers Sidney Schmeltz[5] and James Dayton[6] as well as strengthening the centre of midfield with Anton Rodgers[7] and the permanent acquisition of Korey Smith[8] who had ended the previous season on loan at Boundary Park from Norwich City.

A trio of forwards were also recruited: Charlie MacDonald,[9] Jonson Clarke-Harris[10] and, following a protracted contract dispute with Swindon Town, Adam Rooney.

[13] As a result, the season began with young midfielder David Mellor employed at centre back alongside James Tarkowski.

[18] In the meantime, the summer transfer window had closed with the departure of Baxter to Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee,[19] the return of Danny Philliskirk[20] and the arrival of defensive duo Matteo Lanzoni[21] and Genseric Kusunga.