Paul Tisdale said he admired Morecambe manager Jim Bentley ‘greatly’ ahead of his side’s clash with the Shrimps on Saturday.
Tis, who has been manager at Exeter City since 2006, is the longest-serving boss in the Football League but Bentley is second on that list having spent more than six years in the hot-seat at Morecambe.
“I admire Jim (Bentley) greatly,” said Tis. “He has had a long time at Morecambe and does a really good job on the resources he has and I think, as always, they will be a tough nut to track.”
Morecambe visit St James Park having recorded a 0-0 draw with Luton Town last time out and beaten promotion-chasing Newport County AFC recently as well.
Last season City did the double over the Shrimps but the game at St James Park was only settled in the final minutes of the match with Kevin Ellison hitting a wonder goal that, for most of the afternoon, looked as though it was going to give them a share of the spoils.
Tis is hoping the Liverpool-born striker hasn’t got a similar strike in his locker for Saturday.
“They (Morecambe) have got some continuity in the team and continuity in the manager,” said Tis. “I am hoping Kevin Ellison doesn’t score a scorcher like he did last year. That was probably goal-of-the-season, his volley. I’m hoping he’ll keep that for another day but it will be a tough game – as it always is with Morecambe.”
Tis also gave fans an update on Jordan Moore-Taylor who missed Tuesday night’s defeat to Notts County having picked up an injury in the loss away at Coventry.
“Jordan has got a sore knee and I think it will put him out of action for a week or two,” said Tis. “I think Saturday might be just pushing it a little bit – we will keep an open mind as you never know – but I imagine he will be out for a week or two.”