Gould left as Cheltenham Town manager in November 2003 and was replaced by the experienced John Ward, who previously had been an assistant manager with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa and Watford, and a manager with Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and York City.

During the 2005-06 season, a new stand for visiting fans was added (The Carlsberg Stand) and a little electronic scoreboard was installed. The club punched above its weight and ended the season in 5th, earning a place in the play-offs. In the semi-final Cheltenham beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 away and drew 0-0 in the second leg at Whaddon Road. In the play-off final, Cheltenham defeated Grimsby Town 1-0, securing a place in League One for 2006-07. The match at Cardiff of May 28 was attended by 29,196 people, making it the club's largest ever stadium audience. However despite promotion, attendances have not increased as the club hoped and along with being knocked out of the various cup competitions in early stages the club.