Exeter City boss Tisdale wants patience from players

Tisdale has been in charge at St James Park since 2006

Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale has said his side will need to stay patient in Saturday's vital clash with high-flying Charlton Athletic

With Exeter only one place and two points above relegation, Tisdale knows a win would be massive for the club.

He told BBC Radio Devon: "It'll be tight and both sides will be keen not to give anything away.

"We have to be patient. We're not just going to steamroller them and we're not going to see flowing football."

Charlton are still in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot, so the Grecians boss knows his men will have to be at their best to get any points.

He said: "We're well aware of what it's like to be pushing for automatic promotion spots, and you do need those three points because the other teams around that area are also gaining points.

"I'll be saying to the players: stay with it, concentrate, keep the faith and do the simple things well."

After going nine matches without defeat, City's run came to a disappointing end away at relegation rivals Tranmere last Saturday, where they went down 3-1.

Tisdale said: "We have to draw confidence from the run of games we were involved in before the Tranmere tie and go back to what made us an effective side."

In 2008, City were plying their trade in the Conference, and the majority of that squad, are still in place at St James Park.

Two seasons and two promotions later, the prospect of playing a former Premier League side at home is one that Tisdale is relishing, whatever the result.

He said: "Regardless of the league position and what rides on this particular game, the fact is we're playing a league football match this Saturday against Charlton Athletic.

"A couple of years ago you'd have been almost mad to have predicted that one, so we have to remember where we've come from and what we've done to get here."