The following summer was a time of confusion, with Icelandic Gudjon Thordarson ultimately ending up as manager, the first manager from outside the UK to become Barnsley manager. Barnsley were only given permission to play in the league 24 hours before their first game of the season. Barnsley started off well and made their best start to a season since their promotion to the Premier League, occupying top spot on occasions. Results continued to go well and Barnsley maintained hopes of an automatic promotion spot, and at the least a play-off position. However, after only one win in January and February, Thordarson was sacked after a humiliating 6–1 defeat away at Grimsby Town. Paul Hart was brought in as manager, however he was unable to push Barnsley into promotion contenders, and Barnsley finished in twelfth position, with only four victories since December.