A poor start saw Barnsley slip down to 20th in the league at the start of September, and Barnsley continued to hover around the relegation places until December. Barnsley's form dipped again and after a poor February, Hart was sacked, despite his final game in charge being a 4–1 victory over Torquay United. Academy coach Andy Ritchie was named temporary manager. He started well, and earned the Manager of the Month accolade for March, his first month in charge. Barnsley finished strongly, despite a 5–0 loss away to Port Vale and finished in 13th place.