Paul Tisdale's Programme Notes- Huddersfield

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to The Park for the Coca Cola League One visit of Huddersfield.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lee Clark and the players, officials and supporters of Huddersfield and we wish them a safe journey home.

It has felt almost inevitable in recent weeks that the fight for survival was going to come down to the last match of the season but we are no stranger to that experience.

Last weekend's set of results just proved just how unpredictable this League One campaign can be. There are shock results seemingly every week and although the other scorelines went against us on Saturday we know they could just as easily work in our favour this afternoon.

I am sure we will be backed by another full house today which means our average crowds at The Park will be the highest at since 1965, a superb achievement. The supporters have helped make that crucial difference on many occasions this year and we are very grateful for the fantastic backing. To take almost 500 fans on the 700 mile round-trip to Hartlepool shows what a loyal and committed following we have.

On that subject I was very pleased to hear the news last week that we have already sold over 1000 season tickets for next season, before this one has even finished. That is a fanatic statistic and we are delighted that so many fans are investing in a season ticket in such a harsh financial climate. Supporters have hopefully liked what they've seen this season and want to continue that again in August.

In the mean time there is an exciting summer ahead at the club, especially with the new pitch on its way. This afternoon will be the last competitive match played on the current surface and we are all very excited to see the new turf next season, it will be like making a new signing.

There are plenty of Pitch In events coming up in the next few weeks and we are hugely grateful to all the fundraising that is going on to help us get the best possible playing surface here at The Park for next season.

And our first team squad for the next campaign will include some new young additions after five of our second year scholars were offered professional contracts on Monday. This is the highest number of new pros we have had since I joined the club and that says a lot about the quality of coaching staff out at the Cat & Fiddle. Simon Hayward and his team are doing a superb job and we are looking forward to seeing the five make the step up to the professional game.

The number of scholarships offered to our Under 16s has also hit a new high and nine youngsters will join us at the Cat & Fiddle for two years. The development of youth has been a crucial part of the success of Exeter City and we hope we can continue that trend with this new batch of young players.

Finally all that leaves me to say is enjoy the match and your summer and we look forward to seeing you back at The Park next season.

Paul