In preparation for the 2012 league season the club brought in several high profile players such as Honduras internationals Emil Martínez and Erick Norales and Chinese international Dong Fangzhuo in their hopes to win promotion. The recruitment for not result in promotion that season, but it brought an increase in investment in from the Hunan Liuyang River Wine Winery Industry Co., Ltd., Zoomlion Company Limited, Central South Publishing & Media Group Co., Ltd., Kelme and the return of Hunan Corun New Energy co. ltd.
In the lead-up to the 2012 league season, the club made key signings including Honduran internationals Emil Martínez and Erick Norales and Chinese international Dong Fangzhuo in a bid to secure promotion. Although the recruitment ultimately failed to deliver promotion that year, it had significant financial implications, with increased investment from major partners such as Hunan Liuyang River Wine Winery Industry Co., Ltd., Zoomlion Company Limited, Central South Publishing & Media Group Co., Ltd., Kelme and the return of Hunan Corun New Energy co. ltd.