The saying goes that you have to experience the lows to appreciate the highs - and this season proved to be as enjoyable as this year's Big Brother.

The season started with hopes high. Gone was Parkin but in his place came Jamie Cureton and Tony Thorpe, both proven at this level while Rory Fallon was relishing his role as the main man in Super Sammy's absence.

It didn't start well. Two defeats left Town reeling but a spirited win against promotion favourites Nottingham Forest improved morale. It didn't last long, Town won just one of their next 13 games - sadly Andy King wasn't around to see the run in its entirety and in September he was given his marching orders.

In came Iffy Onoura, the club's then Youth team manager and despite not being able to quell the tide of defeat - he breathed fresh life into the club with his honesty and fresh approach. A nice guy that ultimately wasn't able to keep Town in the division - he would also find the exit door eight months later.

There were, however, signs of survival. A 2-1 win against City on Sky Sports gave Reds hope - but another run of five games without a win kept Town in the bottom four.

The club seeked external help and even allowed Ron Atkinson exclusive access to team affairs in the filming of a behind-the-scenes documentary for Sky One. Iffy and Ron didn't see eye to eye and the programme was scrapped as Onoura focused on trying to salvage Town's League One status.

The Reds were hit hard by an away defeat at rivals Gillingham - but the 3-0 loss spurred Town into life. It seemed as though the side were looking to rally, helped by four wins in six - when they hit rock bottom against Forest at the City Ground. 7-1 losers, the season looked all but over. Town never recovered. Sporadic wins kept the dream alive but it was rivals City that had the final say - a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate contriving to send the Robins into the basement division for the first time in 20 years.