The club struggled to repeat the successes of its previous season and fell victim to "
second season syndrome". They were knocked out of both domestic cups at the first round of entry, and finished 17th in the league after securing
Premier League survival on the last day of the season in an away win against
Sheffield United, who were relegated instead on goal difference. A day after the end of the season, manager
Paul Jewell resigned after six years in charge of the club. His assistant manager
Chris Hutchings was appointed as his replacement. Summer signing
Emile Heskey (signed for a record fee of £5.5 million) finished the season as the club's top goalscorer with a total of eight goals, and left-back
Leighton Baines won the Supporters' Player of the Year award, and the Players' Player award. ==Transfers==