For Exeter City, 2011 was a year of continued progress as they equalled their highest ever league finish, equalled their best run in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and drew a Premier League Giant in the Carling Cup.
The 2010-211 campaign ended with the Grecians finishing the season in 8th place in the League One, matching their highest league placing previously set in the 1979-80 season.
Key figures in helping the Grecians achieve this feat were midfielder Ryan Harley, who was sold to Swansea City and then loaned back to St James Park, and veteran striker Jamie Cureton who, after scoring 20 goals in all competitions, departed for Leyton Orient at the end of the season.
Memorable results for Paul Tisdale's men included a 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic at the Valley in February and a final day 2-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
They also impressed in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as they reached the Southern Area Final of the competition where they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.
Their cup exploits for the year didn't end there as the Grecians reached the second round of the Carling Cup for the first time since 1992, after beating Yeovil Town, where they were rewarded with a lucrative home tie with Premier League giants Liverpool.
Kenny Dalglish fielded an experienced side at St James Park, which featured a number of Premiership regulars including Pepe Reina, Martin Skrtel, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez.
The Reds won the tie on the night 3-1 with Suarez, Maxi Rodgriuez and substitute Andy Carroll finding the target. Daniel Nardiello pulled one back for the Grecians from the penalty spot.
In the league, Exeter find themselves a point clear of safety and in Nardiello, who has scored six goals from 18 appearances, they look to have found a striker who can fill the void left by the departure of Cureton in the summer.
Following the relegation of Plymouth Argyle last season, the Grecians will now battle it out with Yeovil to see who becomes the top dog in the South West. The Glovers are currently just one point behind Exeter and the two sides face each other on January 2nd.
