Oakley grateful to Tisdale

New Exeter signing Matt Oakley has revealed the opportunity to work with manager Paul Tisdale again was the main reason he decided against retiring.

The 34-year-old came to St James Park on loan last season but a thigh problem meant Oakley was forced to return to Leicester, believing his career had all-but ended. Oakley is grateful to Tisdale for giving him a second chance and told the Exeter Express and Echo: "Paul is the only reason I was going to come back down here. "I like the way he treats his players and the players enjoy coming to work. "I was so distraught I got injured. I felt that would be my last year." Oakley added: "I had six weeks here where there was no negativity, I enjoyed coming into training. I loved it here."