On 16 March after a disappointing home defeat to Stalybridge Celtic. which saw the club lose further ground in the play-off chase, manager Steve Kittrick and his assistant Chris Bolder were relieved of their duties with Steve Roberts taking over as manager on a caretaker basis. On 2 April former Bradford Park Avenue and Farsley Celtic chief John Deacey was appointed as the new manager, but eight league defeats since New Year's Day saw Boro's playoff hopes finally extinguished with one game to go.