While Devlin was out injured, Lewington was replaced by Aidy Boothroyd, under whose management the team avoided relegation. He saw enough in the player to retain his services and select him from the start of the 2005–06 season. He made 23 appearances, scoring twice, before being told that Chris Eagles was coming in to take over his position and he could leave on a free transfer. Although Devlin understood why Boothroyd would want "a young, exciting winger from Manchester United rather than a 33 year old with no resale value", he was disappointed with the decision.