It was Paul Tisdale’s class of 2010/11 that defied the odds. After back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One and then a year where survival was secured on the final day of the campaign, few expected the Grecians to fare well ahead of that season.

It didn’t start that well either – on or off the pitch. A draw at home to Colchester United on the opening day of the season was followed by the devastating news that fans favourite Adam Stansfield has lost his battle with cancer at the all too young age of 31. Understandably, it took some time to overcome that tragedy, which really did put everything into perspective.

When the action resumed, City suffered a 3-0 loss at Leyton Orient just two days after those Exeter players of the time had been present at their team-mates’ funeral. To then go the next month unbeaten was testament to their character. It ended up being a more than decent season for the Grecians and one that ended with a stunning run of seven wins in the last eight matches. The Grecians finished in eighth with 70 points, one shy of the play-offs.

In both the FA and League Cups they could do no better than a First Round exit.

In the Football League Trophy, though, Exeter reached the Southern Final before going down over two legs to Brentford.