13th May 2008 - City make a number of off-the-field personnel changes that starts with Jim Brown resigning from his position as vice-chairman. Brown was part of the steering committee that helped the club recover from its second spell in admin and he was appointed to the board thereafter, however, with Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn now steadying the ship, he felt his position was no longer relevant. Other appointments see former Bury manager Chris Casper appointed Youth Team Manager in place of Jon Pepper and Mark Ellis returns to the club as the under 16's coach. David Wetherall takes up a coaching role at the club and Steve Redmond leaves his position as physio after 13 years at the club, to be replaced by Karen May and Adam Cook.

27th May 2008 - the bookies reveal their odds for the forthcoming season and City are one of the main fancies, along with Darlington and Gillingham, at 11/1, however, they are soon backed into 9/1 and are favourites with several firms. Julian Rhodes fuels the optimism at the club days later by stating that the board are looking for a top three finish this season and would be aiming for the play-offs at the very least should they be promoted to League One at the end of the season. Rhodes reveals the board have expanded their wage budget to allow Stuart McCall to have a real go if it this season, and would like to emulate Hull in climbing up the divisions.

17th June 2008 - City fail in their ambitious mission to attract 10,000 adult season ticket holders for the forthcoming season, a figure which, if met, would have triggered a buy-one-get-one-free offer for all those that have purchased tickets. However, the figure of 8,296 adults still remains impressive. With a total of 10,707 tickets shifted at the end of the offer period City will once again be the best supported side in the division and they still generated 95 % of the same income from season tickets as in 2007/8.

18th June 2008 - things are quiet on the transfer front. The club have confirmed they have held talks with big defender Darren Moore, who is looking for a clean break from relegated Derby. Luke Beckett and Michael Boulding have also held talks as McCall looks for a proven goalscorer to partner Peter Thorne. However, City are being kept waiting as the players in question weigh up offers from other clubs or, in the case of Beckett, try negotiate a release from their current deals.

16th July 2008 - City begin their pre-season friendlies with a 3-1 defeat to Farsley Celtic at Throstle nest. Although further defeats are suffered to Guiseley (2-1), Motherwell (4-0) and Burnley (1-2) they beat Bradford Park Avenue (3-1), Dundee (1-0) and Oldham (1-0).

1st August 2008 - City sign goalkeeper Rhys Evans on a free transfer from Millwall as Stuart McCall finalises his squad for the new season. Other pre-season signings include Jon McLaughlin, Paul Arnison, Chris Brandon, Graeme Lee, Paul McLaren and Tom Moncur (loan). Michael Boulding finally decides on his future after speaking to half a dozen clubs and signs for City along with his brother, Rory. That ends City's pursuit of Luke Beckett and with Graeme Lee (later named new captain) an impressive capture from Doncaster, City's interest in Darren Moore also ends (although he signs for Championship side Barnsley anyway). The capture of Paul McLaren surprises many at Tranmere as he is the top assister in League One in 2007/8 and was seen as their player of the year by many. After talking of eye catching signings, the board have this time delivered, and great credit goes to Stuart McCall for using his powers of persuasion to get all the new lads to sign on the dotted line at City. Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix pen new deals too, although Luke Medley rejects an offer and moves to Barnet, nearer to his family home.

5th August 2008 - City announce their first trading profit for eight years, with accounts up to the end of June showing them to be £11,383 in the black. This is quite an achievement after the two spells in administration and the massive debts reported in the past. However, the club state that they expect to make a loss in the next year because of rent rises on the stadium increasing by 13 % (the 5 year fixed rate period has now elapsed) and because of utility bills also increasing. City have also pushed the boat out with regards to wages as they feel the division lacks the strength of last season.

9th August 2008 - City open the season with a 2-1 win against Notts County at Valley Parade. Peter Thorne calms the nerves with an early opener and then nets his second of the game with an overhead kick in the second half, capitalising on some poor defending. City concede in the latter stages of the game to ensure a tense finale, but get the season off to a flyer.

12th August 2008 - City travel to local neighbours Huddersfield for their Carling Cup first round tie but are outclassed by their League One opponents as they lose 4-0. Former Bantam Danny Cadamarteri and summer target Luke Beckett play their part in ripping open a City side lacking goal machine Peter Thorne. All the goals come in the season half, leaving the three thousand plus Bradford following reeling, but when Thorne is recalled for the next league game, City bounce back with a 2-0 win at Macclesfield. Again, Thorne gets his name on the scoresheet twice and the bookies react by slashing his odds for divisional top scorer. After opening at 22/1 in pre-season, the former Stoke hit-man is cut to 3/1 in places.

15th August 2008 - Rumours of unrest with Chilean striker Willy Topp prompt clear the air talks with Stuart McCall. One of Topp's contacts informed McCall that Topp wanted to leave in search of regular football but McCall tells Topp to stay and fight for his place. The Chilean has now overcome the injury problems that plagued him last season and is approaching full fitness. McCall brings him off the bench for City's next game at Macclesfield to give him some game time.

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