Before the season started, Aerbin tried to take over Dalian Shide F.C.

after its downfall,[1] after the local rival faced difficulties[2] concerning political issue (see Xu Ming, owner of Dalian Shide for the time), but was eventually called off by the CFA.

[3] Aerbin signed former football player Xu Hong as their manager in December 2012,[4] but he resigned after only 62 days, because he was suspended by the CFA for manipulation match results years ago.

[5] Li Ming stepped up as the caretaker, before the team signed contract with Serbian manager Simo Krunić in June.

[6] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.