After flirting with relegation in the 2010-11 campaign, Mark Yates wanted to mark his first full season as a Football League manager with a much improved league campaign with the Robins.
He had led the club to safety but he would now be judged upon the team he would build during the summer of 2010.
A summer overhaul was necessary with just Marley Watkins tied down to a contract here at the Abbey Business Stadium. The summer clear out soon began with the departures of Justin Richards, Lee Ridley, Michael Townsend, Shane Duff, David Hutton, Jack Durrant, Will Puddy, Barry Hayles and Julian Alsop.
The contracts of Scott Brown, Dave Bird, Andy Gallinagh and Josh Low were extended and prospects Josh Emery, Theo Lewis, Jake Lee and Kyle Haynes all accepted their very first professional contracts.
Kidderminster winger Brian Smikle was the first signing of the summer before Keith Lowe, Jeff Goulding, Daniel Lloyd-Weston, Danny Andrew, Martin Riley, Wesley Thomas, Steve Elliott, JJ Melligan and Frankie Artus all joined the Robins revival. Mark boosted his squad further with the loan arrivals of Shaun Jeffers and Robin Shroot before making a move for Portsmouth's Marlon Pack on deadline day.
A busy pre-season that included a spot of canyoning worked wonders with team bonding considering the wholesale changes of the playing squad. Morale was high and that paid dividends when Cheltenham Town put in a strong performance and 1-1 draw against recently relegated Gillingham on the opening day of the season.
Despite an early League Cup departure at the hands of Brentford, the Robins picked up four wins and two draws in their opening ten games of the new season. Mark Yates' Cheltenham weren't perfect but they were making a name for themselves with good football and a number of big results including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Dario Gradi's Crewe.
The first half of the season was everything a Cheltenham fan had expected and more. Big results and performances saw the club settle themselves comfortably in the top half of the league table with the memories of 2009-10 firmly in the distant past.
A 1-0 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup would see the Robins take on former Premiership giants Southampton in November and, despite a 3-0 defeat, the club left with their heads held high.
A massive 4-0 win over Bradford ensured 2010 would end on a high but premature hopes of a big season would soon fade with a drop in form after Christmas.
Cheltenham picked up two wins and two draws in the month of January but a winless run of eight games and a downturn in form threatened to turn the tables on what had been a positive season for the Robins. They finally picked up a deserved win over basement boys Stockport in March but the team's consistency remained a problem and the Robins started to drop down the league table.
Games came thick and fast throughout the early months of 2011 but the Robins were struggling. The loan arrivals of Ashley Eastham, Jake Thomson, Medy Elito and Matt Green did little to halt the slide and, despite an impressive 3-2 away win over high flying Bury, it seemed more likely that Cheltenham Town would need to stave off relegation once again.
Frustration was high and a 1-0 defeat to Macclesfield was a clear warning that Cheltenham were running the risk of their Football League status being ripped away. An away day at relegation threatened Lincoln City soon became the biggest game of the season with the loser seemingly destined for the drop.
A nervy first half at Sincil Bank had everyone on the edge of their seats before the calming influence of Josh Low struck and handed the Robins an important 1-0 lead. Cheltenham Town grew in confidence after the opening goal and a Danny Andrew winner ensured a huge sigh of relief around Gloucestershire.
A nail biting end to the season finally condemned Lincoln to relegation alongside Stockport and ensured the Robins would be playing League football during the 2011-12 campaign.
Despite a disappointing end to the season, the Robins finished five places higher than they had done in the previous season and were able to report positive financial results for the year. The 2009-10 had been a difficult season but progress had been made and the foundations of a strong side were now in place.
Player of the Year: Keith Lowe
Top Goalscorer: Wesley Thomas (19)
Most appearances (all comps): Scott Brown (46)
npower League Two: 17th with 52 points
League Cup: 1st Round - Brentford
FA Cup: 2nd Round - Southampton
Johnstone's Paint Trophy: 2nd Round - Plymouth Argyle
