Wednesday 20 October 2010

TISDALE EYES CITY PLAY OFF BID

After seeing his side move within touching distance of a Play-Off spot in League One, Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has refused to rule out a promotion push from his side.

The Grecians are only being kept out of the top six on goal difference after beating fellow promotion hopefuls Carlisle United 2-1 last Saturday and whilst Tisdale has not gone on record saying that his side will be promoted, he has bracketed the Grecians as one of a number of clubs that could reach the Play-Offs.

In recent years, League One has been a home to a number of 'fallen giants' who have slipped down from the Premiership and the Championship and into the division. Last season Exeter faced Leeds United, who they famously beat at St James Park, Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton Athletic.

They are just some of the teams to have graced League One in recent seasons. Other former members include Nottingham Forest and Leicester City and the division is currently home to Sheffield Wednesday who were amongst the top sides in the country in the early 90's.

However, smaller clubs have proved that they are capable of competing effectively with these more illustrious names. For example, Colchester United, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe United have all won promotions to the Championship during the past decade.

Although it may sound outlandish to suggest that Exeter could reach the second tier of English football for the first time in their history, they can draw inspiration from the achievements of Colchester and Doncaster, who like the Grecians, have returned to the Football League after being relegated from the Conference.

The Grecians own rise from the Conference has been overseen by Paul Tisdale and with two promotions in the last three seasons, they have created a winning mentality during that time. But, whatever the outcome at the end of the season, they look set to enjoy another memorable campaign to add to the others they have enjoyed under Tisdale's reign.