Portsmouth finished seventh and just missed out on the playoffs after three successive bottom-half finishes, also reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in five years. Port Vale finished eighth - one of the highest finishes in their history. Norwich City finished 13th in Mike Walker's comeback season as manager, some dismal results late in the season ending their playoff hopes. Manchester City went through four managers in their first season outside the top flight since 1988–89, finishing 14th after fears of a second successive relegation. Ray Harford returned to management with West Bromwich Albion, securing their survival with a 16th-place finish. Oxford United's early promotion challenge fell away as they finished 17th.