While many players took the opportunity this summer to enjoy a well-earned break either at home or abroad, left-back Joe Heath was back at his old High School in a bid to stay fit!

Joe had been at the club on a non-contract basis since the early spring and was a reserve regular but having signed a permanent deal in May the former Forest man was determined to keep his fitness levels up ahead of the return to training.

"For the first week or two I relaxed then I started training at my old high school with my old PE teacher," Joe told the Official Website.

"He trained with me all summer and we went to the beach and ran sand dunes as well as the usual running exercises and session on the field as well.

"I'd had a long break at the end of last season as I got released in January so it was important in the off season that I worked hard and came back at least at the level the other players are at."

Joe, who started for the Grecians in their first pre-season friendly on Thursday, also spoke of his belief that his side can have a successful 2010/11 season.

"It is looking promising for the new campaign," he said.

"I think especially with the new signings like Daniel who I've seen play before and is a brilliant player.

"If we apply ourselves right and get the tactics right, which we have great faith that the manager will, I believe we can really push on this year."

Nardiello in action in midweek

Joe initially came to the club on trial in February along with winger Jamie Reid after the pair were released by Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies.

After impressing during training and totesport.com reserve run-outs he joined on a non-contract basis and featured on the substitutes bench during the League One finale.

And when we spoke to him earlier this week he was keen to stress how grateful he was to City boss Paul Tisdale, whose recruitment process goes on throughout the season while many clubs choose to wait until the summer.

"Towards the end of the season there weren't many clubs looking to give trials out to players but Exeter was one," he explained.

"Most clubs wait till the summer but the manager was good enough to give me a trial and see what I could do.

"They gave me a few weeks and I came down here and liked the manager and the lads. I just enjoyed it and felt at home.

"And now I'm looking at getting a good pre-season under my belt and hopefully forcing my way into the side."

Ahead of the new season Plymouth, Southampton, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday are probably the games most supporters are looking forward too but Joe's selections won't be featuring on many Grecians' hitlists!

"As a former Forest player I am looking forward to the Notts County game," he said.

"But Tranmere is the one that stands out for me as it is my home town. I'm looking forward to that match and hoping we get a better result there than last season!"

Joe will be looking for another 45 minute run out when City travel to Twerton Park on Tuesday night to face Bath City. (7:45pm) Keep visiting the Official Website for a full match report.