Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale heaped praise on the club's fans after Saturday's 2-1 win over Huddersfield kept his side in League One.

Exeter came from a goal down in the must-win game, ensuring they finished two places above the relegation places.

Tisdale told BBC Spotlight: "Our fans really know how to support their side.

"It's wonderful achievement and our supporters have something to celebrate again this summer, and they contributed a lot."

He added: "There have been ups and downs, but they know how to dig in and the last few months have been terrific, a real team effort."

I'm delighted, I'm relieved, I'm excited, but above all I'm very proud to be part of this great football club Exeter boss Paul Tisdale

Exeter are the only club in the Football Leagues run by a football trust, and Tisdale believes this unique status goes a long way to explaining the attitude of the fans.

He said: "We are a club where the supporters own the club and I don't think there's a club in the country that respects their supporters as much as we do, so I'm delighted for them."

Tisdale's men made their fans endure an agonising wait for safety, but Ryan Harley's 82nd minute strike gave them the lead they needed to stay above Tranmere and Gillingham in the league standings.

Tisdale said: "It's a relief and to leave it late on the last day of the season is a little too close for comfort but we made it.

"But we've had a great season, and I can now look back on it and enjoy every minute.

606: DEBATE I think we can build on this season Tommy 99

"It's been a great experience and we've achieved today what we achieved on the last day of last year, which is League One status."

With another season in the third tier of English football now confirmed, many of the Grecians supporters will be eagerly anticipating renewing the local derby with neighbours Plymouth Argyle, who were relegated from the Championship last month.

Tisdale said: "In isolation that's a nice thought for these supporters because three or four years ago ourselves and Plymouth were three leagues apart, so we've come a long way.

"But there's a bigger picture here, and it gives us the chance to build again.

"I'm delighted, I'm relieved, I'm excited, but above all I'm very proud to be part of this great football club."

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