A 41-year-old father of two is innocent of a rape allegation.
Now Curtis Lawrence wants to put nine months of hell behind him.
Mr Lawrence was arrested last May by officers investigating a rape allegation going back to December 1990.
He was accused of raping a woman who was then aged 45 on Christmas Eve that year - but always vigorously denied the allegation.
A trial date was set for Leeds Crown Court, but the case was suddenly dropped.
Mr Lawrence said he had gone through hell over the last year.
His partner, 37-year-old Diane Brook, has stood by him through his ordeal.
The couple live in Netherton and are now anxious to get their lives back on track.
Mr Lawrence - well-known in local amateur soccer circles - said: "It's been a nightmare slog, but now it's all over I can get on with my life again.
Mr Lawrence - who has a 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son from a previous relationship - was arrested on his way to work last May.
After he was charged he was remanded in custody for more than two weeks and then had to live in a bail hostel.
He has played soccer for teams including Emley, Brackenhall, Bradley Rangers and Town Hall in Lockwood.
He also does some soccer coaching with youngsters.
Mr Lawrence has worked at several builders' merchants across Huddersfield and has recently been a building site labourer.
He is now looking for a new job.
"I've always worked," he said. "I'm sure it won't be long before I find another job. I just want everyone to know I'm innocent."
His solicitor, Bob Carr of Huddersfield company Carr And Co, said: "Mr Lawrence was prepared to go to trial on this and insisted he was not guilty.
"For reasons unknown the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence shortly before the trial was due to start.
"The case was dismissed and Mr Lawrence was exonerated."
