Swindon survived the next season in Division One, finishing in 19th position and escaping relegation by eight points. Then, before the 1997–8 season, manager McMahon promised Swindon fans that if the team failed to make the play-offs, the club would refund the increase in season ticket prices between the 1995–6 and 1997–8 seasons. Swindon subsequently finished in a lowly 18th position and the increases were indeed refunded. However, in March 1998, the club then summarily increased all ticket prices by £2.50 in attempt to clear the debt.