THE THOUGHTS OF PAUL TISDALE

Well here we are at the new Wembley Stadium after a season that just grew and grew. We came through the extremely hard fought play off games and we now have the chance to progress into the Football League.

I am sure that Morecambe will be more than ready for the game. They will want to win this as much as we do. They gave us two tough games in the Conference and I expect this game to every bit as tough. Sammy Mcllroy is sure to have his team well prepared and motivated ms always.

I joined Exeter City from Team Bath in time for the pre-season and ably supported by Paul Buckle and Steve Perryman, we made a decent start to the season with a draw at York City, which typified our start. We were determined to give every player a chance to prove himself, resisting the temptation to make wholesale changes, although we did strengthen the team defensively.

Our steady start was very impressive, but shortcomings were highlighted in the defeat at Burton Albion. That game showed me the squad needed strengthening. We went out with the backing of the board and was able to make a number of quality signings.

We had a great run in February, four wins and a draw in five games without conceding a goal. March was always going to be a tough month, with eight games in 28 days, but the win at home to Grays Athletic proved to be the turning point.

The support at Stevenage Borough was fantastic and the 0-0 draw kept us in 5th place and the support against Southport when over 6,000 supporters turned up to cheer us into the play offs.

The first game against Oxford, when we lost 1-0 in front of a near capacity crowd at St James' Park was a disappointment. We went to Plan B and played 4-3-3 in the second leg. We knew that if the tie went to extra time we had a chance. We had spirit. We had organisation and belief on what was an exciting night for football and for Exeter City

So onto the final. Selection of the team comes last, The first part is about the philosophy of who you are going to play. Then we develop the tactics and the strategy before delivering the central coaching sessions. It is then that we pick the side.

That is why I sometimes change the side because it is not about the last 11 players who played, it is about the philosophy of the game. Sometimes you deliver a coaching session and you can see that some players get it and some don't. Sometimes a certain player plays well in a certain position so there is a chance to engineer that to get the best out of that player.

I would like to thank al I he players who have been magnificent throughout, and a special word of praise to Paul Buckle, Steve Perryman and Julian Tagg. plus all the coaches and office staff. But a special thank you to all our supporters.

I really do hope you enjoy your day. You deserve it!
Paul Tisdale May 2007

CITY PLAYER STATS 2006-07

NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE APPEARANCES

Patrick Ada 5(1); Paul Buckle 25(3); Wayne Carlisle 23(3); Jon Challinor 31(11); Danny Clay 2(4); Bertie Cozic 15(15); Rob Edwards 42; Lee Elam 19(1); George Friend 0(2); Matthew Gill 45; Billy Jones 45; Paul Jones 21; Richard Logan 10(7); Jamie Mackie 22(16); Dean Moxey 11(10); Lee Phillips 20(16); Martin Rice 25(1); Jon Richardson 13(6); Danny Seaborne 3(1); Adam Stansfield 25(12); Andy Taylor 25(4); Chris Todd 34; Steve Tully 17; Danny Woodards 20(1).

NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE PLAY-OFF APPEARANCES

Wayne Carlisle 2; Jon Challinor 1(1); Rob Edwards 2; Lee Elam 2; Matthew Gill 2; Billy Jones 2; Richard Logan 1(1); Jamie Mackie 0(2); Lee Phillips 1; Martin Rice 2; John Richardson 0(1); Adam Stansfield 1(1); Andy Taylor 2; Chris Todd 2; Steve Tully 2;

F.A. CUP APPEARANCES

Patrick Ada 0(1); Paul Buckle 2; Jon Challinor 2; Bertie Cozic 0(1); Rob Edwards 2; Matthew Gill 2; Billy Jones 2; Paul Jones 1; Jamie Mackie 1(1); Lee Phillips 2; Martin Rice 1; Adam Stansfield 1(1); Andy Taylor 2; Chris Todd 2; Danny Woodards 2.

F.A. TROPHY APPEARANCES

Patrick Ada 1; Paul Buckle 1; Matthew Bye 0(1); Wayne Carlisle 2; Jon Challinor 1; Bertie Cozic 2; Rob Edwards 2; Matthew Gill 1; Billy Jones 2; Paul Jones 2; Jamie Mackie 2; Dean Moxey 2; Lee Phillips 0(2); Jon Richardson 1; Adam Stansfield 1(1); Chris Todd 1(1); Danny Woodards 1.

NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE GOALSCORERS

Jon Challinor 9; Billy Jones 9; Adam Stansfield 9; Lee Elam 7; Wayne Carlisle 5; Jamie Mackie 5; Richard Logan 4; Lee Phillips 4; Paul Buckle 3; Dean Moxey 2; Bertie Cozic 1; Rob Edwards 1; Matthew Gill 1; Danny Seaborne 1; Chris Todd 1; Own Goals 4.

NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE PLAY-OFF GOALSCORERS

Lee Phillips 1; Adam Stansfield 1

NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE PLAY-OFF PENALTY SHOOT-OUT GOALSCORERS

Matthew Gill 1; Jamie Mackie 1; Andy Taylor 1; Steve Tully 1.

F.A. CUP GOALSCORERS

Jon Challinor 1; Lee Phillips 1; Andy Taylor 1.

F.A. TROPHY GOALSCORERS

Bertie Cozic 1; Matthew Gill 1; Billy Jones 1.