The 2009-10 campaign delivered a tense, dramatic fight for survival as The Grecians returned to League One for the first time in 15 years. Under the guidance of manager Paul Tisdale, the club ultimately secured their third-tier status with a crucial 18th-place finish on the final day. The great escape was famously sealed by an iconic goal from their top scorer, Ryan Harley, whose 10 goals included the decisive winner against Huddersfield Town. It was a crucial and emotional year that confirmed the club's hard-fought return to the professional ranks and remains a defining chapter in their modern history.. The 2010-11 campaign delivered a season of consolidation and thrilling potential for Exeter City as The Grecians surged to a fantastic 8th-place finish in League One under the long-serving Paul Tisdale, firmly establishing themselves in the third tier. Leading the line with veteran brilliance was the beloved Jamie Cureton, whose 17 league goals (20 in all competitions) earned him both Player of the Year awards and proved decisive in mounting a serious, if ultimately unsuccessful, play-off challenge. The season, which also saw a memorable run to the Southern Section Area Final of the Football League Trophy and the goalscoring contributions of Ryan Harley and Daniel Nardiello, is remembered as a standout year that showcased the club's growing ambition and the enduring quality of their talismanic striker.