 After finishing as runners-up and losing in the play-off final for two years in a row, the club were once again optimistic of a return to the Football League.Preparation for the season was, however, disrupted when Gary Brabin, the manager who had taken them to Wembley the season before and was named Manager of the 2008–09 Season, was sacked over complaints made about the club's budget.He was replaced by former Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling, however he resigned just eight days into the job and before the start of the season over claims of boardroom interference.