The post-Paul Trollope era began with a 2–0 defeat to Milton Keynes Dons, thanks to two goals in the first 13 minutes. Caretaker boss Darren Patterson, who replaced Trollope when he was relieved of his duties shortly before Christmas, took charge of the team for the first time in this League One match, but he was unable to do anything to prevent defeat to the Buckinghamshire club and failed to lift the side out of the relegation zone.