City manager says Grecians have "nothing to lose" in cup tie against QPR

Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale has expressed excitement ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup first round tie against Queens Park Rangers.

The Grecians have arguably been dealt the toughest hand available, as visitors QPR are the only club that were playing Premier League football last season to be in the first round draw. But for Tis, all the pressure lies with the Hoops while his team can try to cause a cup upset – like they almost did against Ipswich and Crystal Palace in recent years.

“It’s a terrific game to play in and we’ve got nothing to lose,” said Paul. “Saturday was a really good day for us, to start the season with a really robust and strong performance has been a good way to begin.

“We’ll see what we can do in terms of playing to our strengths – I’m sure QPR will be trying to find a weakness or two within our team and it’s my job to make sure we get the very best from what we’ve got.”

The R’s visited St James Park in pre-season as both teams brushed off the cobwebs on a warm summer’s evening. Tis is more than aware that the game will be played in a different gear to the friendly fixture, as Tuesday’s game has a second-round place on the line.

Tis continued: “I’m familiar with their personnel more than I was a month ago, but I think we all know that it will be a very different game.  The dynamic will be a lot different.

“The faces will be the same, but I don’t think the style, tempo, feel or tone of the play will be the same. It’ll be up a notch or two.”

Tickets for the fixture are available to buy now online (until 1pm on Tuesday, for collection only), in advance from Reception, or on the evening of the fixture from ticket booths and on entry to the Big Bank. Click here for ticketing for this fixture.

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Report by Richard Dorman