With a new manager, Glenn Roeder, at the helm, and as newcomers to the Premiership, both the team and the fans could look forward to an exciting season. With Ian Pearce and Steve Lomas returning after injuries, Jermain Defoe becoming the club’s top goalscorer, the permanent signing of goalkeeper David James and the return of Don Hutchinson, the club finished the season in seventh place and proved they deserved to be in the Premiership.
