'After never really shinning in the Group Stage, England scraped past smaller opposition thanks to a 1-0 win to set up a meeting with old adversaries in the next round of the World Cup.'

Not this week's summary but the state of the football world on 26th June 2006, a day when, despite the World Cup mania, our thoughts turned to club not country for an afternoon.

Four years ago today Paul Tisdale was unveiled as Exeter City manager. And to mark this occasion we have gone through the Official Website archives to shine some light on the situation here at The Park on 26th June 2006.

The 2005/06 season had been one to forget for the Grecians. Knocked out of the FA Trophy at Grays in March Alex Inglethorpe's side returned to Essex less than a month later and were rolled over 3-0 leaving their Play Off dreams in tatters.

City had won just seven times in 19 since 1st February and ended the season in mid-table mediocrity and a 1-1 draw at home to Scarborough, notable for being Steve Flack's final hurrah for the club.

It wasn't the finale to the season any supporter wanted but the groundwork had been done for the coming seasons, six of the side that lined up at The Park that day are expected to be at League One or Championship clubs for the 2010/11 season.

Inglethorpe had shown a real eye for talent, signing up players with real potential including Matt Gill, Paul and Billy Jones and Jamie Mackie. But after being approached by Spurs for their manager's services the club issued a statement on 6th June 2006 which included the following.

Mackie was one of the players Paul Tisdale acquired

"The past nineteen months have seen Exeter City, with Alex Inglethorpe at the managerial helm, enjoy a significant period of success in restoring on and off the pitch strength and stability to the Club.

"The Club, its fans, the Supporters Trust, and business and other partners have benefited by becoming a strong and cohesive force. Together we have laid the foundations to now deliver the success we know is within our vision and grasp.

"We all remain committed to these goals. However, it has been decided today that Alex will leave the Club to pursue the next stage of his career. Together we have worked tirelessly to achieve our common desire for Alex to stay but Alex now feels that it would be in the best interests of the Club for him to leave within a mutually agreed timeframe."

Over 50 applications were received by the club and after an in-depth process run by Steve Perryman, Julian Tagg and Frances Farley, which included plenty of cross-examination of references, discussion with contacts and plenty of sifting through applications, the shortlist was compiled.

A selection panel was drawn up including Trust representative Rob Doige and then the interviews began with the general feeling being: we need a manager that suits us and vice-versa.

That man was on holiday!

Paul Tisdale had no idea that he would be offered an interview and in fact this was the first job he had ever even considered applying for during his seven years at Team Bath.

After flying back into Bristol he rented a hire care and headed for Devon for his interview which lasted roughly an hour.

The panel were impressed by questions asked by Tisdale as much as his responses to their enquiries and they described how impressed they were with the 33-year-old's desire to learn more about their Football Club.

Paul Tisdale had found the right challenge and Exeter City appointed him as their new boss four years ago today.

"It's great to be here" he told the Official Website at his unveiling.

"First and foremost I want to carry on the good work that has been achieved so far. The club is in a very healthy position on and off the pitch and I want to continue that. I want it to remain in a strong and stable condition and I don't want to change anything too much. I have my own ideas and philosophies but there won't be widespread changes.

"I will organise things my way and I want the players to be accountable for their roles in the team, they need to understand exactly what's expected of them.

"I've always been taught to enjoy the game and to want to play. I have played at virtually every level of football in my career, from Western League to the Premiership. You need to understand how to win matches, nobody like playing in a losing side. One thing is for sure, the players should be comfortable with the ball.

"They must want to go out there and play. I want players out there who think correctly and act correctly. The organisation within the team will determine how we defend and ultimately how we control the game.

"I'll back myself to analyse the league and quality of player and make a pragmatic decision, I am really looking forward to find out about this league. First and foremost though it is about this club moving forward, on and off the pitch.

"The development of the younger players and the relationship with the community are hugely important to me and we have to carry on the good work that has already been done."

Pete Evans