Series 8 starts just after Series 7, with the players still celebrating their Champions League qualification. Then when they find out the news that they have been relegated, the majority of the team wants out. However their new owner, Eli Knox, and their new manager, Don Barker, explain to them that if they leave they don't get paid for their efforts last season (they still have a two leg qualifying round before they have actually qualified for the Champions League). The players try to adjust to life in the Championship, with the help of two new signings - defender Frank Stone (signed from Wigan) and midfielder Tommy Valentine (on loan from Chelsea). Clyde Connolly causes problems - made to play central midfield against his will, at half time in the Dragons' opening match he switches positions with Tommy. The team lose one nil, and Don blames Clyde for the shock defeat.
