 They made several expensive signings, including full-back Terry Springthorpe and striker Tommy Briggs, but these players had no impact at the club and a run of poor performance in the new year ended their promotion hopes.Despite a reasonable start to the 1951–52 season, this poor form resumed from September as an ageing City team – the average was 31 years – faced almost certain relegation by February.Despite several signings, the club were relegated back to Division Three South with a final-day defeat at Leeds United.