In 1997–98, relegation was avoided on the final day of the season with a 4–0 win over Huddersfield Town, at the expense of Manchester City and Stoke City.[39] The next season was another struggle, and John Rudge was controversially sacked in January 1999.[40] He was replaced by former player Brian Horton, who spent big to secure the club's second consecutive final-day escape from relegation.[41] There was no avoiding relegation in 1999–2000, though, as they were some thirteen points short of safety.