Tisdale in talks over move from Exeter

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has held talks with League Two rivals Portsmouth who are in the hunt for a new manager.

Local newspaper The News in Portsmouth has reported that the Grecians boss has been interviewed for the position left vacant by former manager Guy Whittingham’s sacking.

City had given permission for Pompey to approach the long-serving boss out of respect for their manager.

As a result, it is believed he was interviewed on Tuesday by the Blues’ board at a hotel in Newbury.

A statement issued by Exeter City this afternoon said: "We can confirm that Portsmouth Football Club approached Exeter City to ask permission to speak to Paul Tisdale about the vacant management position at Fratton Park.

"As on previous occasions that approaches have been made to speak to Paul, permission was granted. Paul met with Portsmouth on Tuesday.

"Exeter City Football Club prides itself on not standing in the way of staff, players and management when opportunities arise away from the club. Given Paul’s excellent track-record at Exeter City, we are always unsurprised to receive approaches from other clubs for his services."

"The club has always enjoyed the loyalty shown by Paul to the club during his seven-and-a-half years at St James Park."

Tisdale is currently the longest serving manager in the Football League. He joined City in June 2006 and led the club to back-to-back promotion from the Conference to League One.