in february it was announced that james noel was released from his contract, due to a series of long-term injuries, allowing the team's bench players more opportunity. form started to improve throughout the spring, but a double loss to glasgow and worthing at the beginning of april ended any hopes of qualifying for the play-offs with fives games left of the regular season. two weeks later it was announced by the club that after 24 years of service gary stronach was to step down as head coach at the end of the season. coming as a shock to many fans, stronach cited the reason for his departure was that "it's time for me to move on, broaden the horizon and see what's out there."