The 2007-08 campaign was a pivotal season of transformation for Bradford City as The Bantams returned to the fourth tier for the first time in over 25 years, following three relegations in seven seasons. Under the new, ambitious management of club legend Stuart McCall, and buoyed by a fan-friendly ownership that drove the division's highest average attendance of 13,756, initial high hopes for an instant promotion push were eventually tempered by a turbulent mid-season slump. However, the side recovered to secure a final 10th-place finish, anchored by the reliable goal-scoring of veteran striker Peter Thorne, whose 15 goals overall (14 in the league) led the attack. It was a year that marked a new, united era for the club, featuring the retirement of legendary defender David Wetherall and the emergence of Player of the Season Joe Colbeck.