Prior to that , Joe Royle 's side had endured a difficult campaign adjusting to life in the third tier of English football .
Prior to that , Joe Royle 's side were floundering in the mid-table following a series of demoralising results .
Prior to that , Joe Royle 's side had endured a difficult campaign adjusting to life in the third tier of English football and were floundering in the mid-table following a series of demoralising results .