Following the release of so many players at the end of the previous season, Danny Lennon set about rebuilding his squad, claiming that this time he would be looking for quality rather than quantity as he had done last time out.
The quality was certainly found with the arrival of Stephen Thompson from Burnley and Gary Teale from Sheffield Wednesday. Both recent Scottish internationalists with vast experience.
Also arriving were Nigel Hasselbaink, Graeme Smith, Dutch full back Jeroen Tesselaar and a return for two former loan players in Paul McGowan and Graham Carey, both on permanent deals.
With the build up progressing smoothly and things looking positive, the preparations were dealt a blow with the resignation of assistant manager Iain Jenkins, for personal reasons.
Tommy Craig was brought in as first team coach bringing a massive amount of experience to the club.