 His first-team return came on 22 November 2008 after entering Barnsley's 2–1 defeat away to Preston North End as a 90th-minute substitute.However, a recurrence of his knee injury in January 2009 ruled him out of action for the rest of 2008–09, which he finished with three appearances.On 16 October 2009, Coulson signed a one-month loan deal with Conference Premier club Chester City, making his debut the following day against Gateshead in a 1–0 home victory.