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.