The 2003-04 campaign was a fraught and turbulent fight for survival for Stockport County as County ultimately secured a nervy 19th-place finish in the Second Division, just two places above the relegation zone. The season was characterized by early turmoil, including the sacking of player-manager Carlton Palmer in September, before Sammy McIlroy took the helm. Amidst this instability, the young forward Rickie Lambert emerged as the top goalscorer, notching 12 crucial league goals (13 in all competitions) in his second season for the club. This hard-fought year marked a critical battle to cling onto their third-tier status, which remains a defining chapter in the club's modern history.