He continued as a regular in the side until a hamstring injury sustained in early October kept him out for three weeks, and on his next start, in early November at home to Blackburn Rovers, he damaged a knee. Although the knee recovered and he was expected to be available for the visit to Sheffield Wednesday on 26 December, manager Gary Rowett chose not to risk him because of tightness in his hamstring. Cotterill returned to the side for the FA Cup match on 9 January, came off at half-time with a tight hamstring, and did not reappear for another five weeks, as a late substitute in the goalless draw at Rotherham United.