 Ahead of the 2008–09 season, Elphick vowed that he won't be a victim from second season syndrome and under the new management of Micky Adams, Elphick found himself in a centre–back partnership with new centre–back signing, Colin Hawkins following the departures of with Lynch and Butters.In the second round of the League Cup, Elphick successfully converted his third penalty in the shoot–out against Premier League side Manchester City and went throughout to the next round after beating them 5–3 in the shoot–out when the game went into extra following a 2–2 draw.He became the first player at the club to be contracted to play at the club's new Falmer Stadium when he signed a new contract on 12 December 2008.