game of football as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world and football ground to a halt. The season was cut short in March 2020 and, at the time of the decision, City were lying in 19th position but would eventually jump up to 17th as the season was decided on points per game. City's final game in exile was a 2–1 home win at Evesham against Farsley Celtic. Meanwhile, work continued in the off season on the new stadium and it was ready in time for the 2020–21 season. It is interesting to note that when the history of the club is writ this period of ‘exile’ would have been bookended by disaster. The 2007 flood and the 2020 pandemic. Return to Gloucester After 13 years in exile, City returned to Gloucester in time for the 2020–21 season. In the off season, manager James Rowe added further to his squad which was now packed with Football League experience. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the restart of the season was thrown into doubt. Due to the National League obtaining 'Elite' status in order to complete the playoffs for the season previous, there was now an issue, as was the case with all 'Elite' sport, that spectators were not allowed to attend matches and clubs needed this revenue stream in order to survive. After a financial package was agreed with the government, the season was able to start. The first competitive game at New Meadow Park was on 6 October 2020 as City hosted Kettering Town in a behind closed doors league game with City running away 3-1 winners and the honour of first competitive goal at the new stadium going to Alex Whittle. City flew out of the blocks at the start of the 2020–21 season recording 7 wins and 2 draws in their opening 9 league matches, which was the best start to a league campaign since the Second World War. On 24 November 2020, following interest from ex-Football League club Chesterfield F.C., James Rowe left for The Spireites and took Akwasi Asante with him to the Technique Stadium. The search for a new First Team Manager was then conducted by club legends Adie Mings and Tom Webb. Jake Cole took temporary charge of first team duties until Paul Groves was appointed on 8 December 2020. The National League campaign ground to a halt in February 2021 with City