PAUL Tisdale says Exeter City director of football Steve Perryman must ensure he has fully recovered from his septicemia ordeal before returning to work full-time.

The former Tottenham Hotspur captain spent more than a month in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital battling the blood disorder earlier this summer.

The illness did not prevent Perryman from helping Tisdale prepare for the coming season as he did bits of work over the phone from his hospital bed — and is continuing to help out now he has been discharged.

But, although the Exeter City boss is eager to see Perryman back at his desk at the Cat & Fiddle training ground as soon as possible, Tisdale says it is important he only returns when he is 100 per cent ready.

"Steve's getting better quickly but is a long way off being back at work. He's got to be ready in his own time and that's not quite yet," Tisdale said.

"He has been through quite an ordeal. He has taken a bit of a beating really and needs to take his time to rest.

"We need him fit, so it's important he gets better quickly. He's happy to contribute on the phone from home but the reality is the sooner he gets better, the better."

The blood disorder led to Perryman undergoing three operations on his hip during his spell in hospital. But his commitment to the Grecians shone through as he continued to keep in touch with the club over the phone during that time.

Perryman has proved a vital part of City's success in recent seasons, striking up an excellent relationship with Tisdale and being influential when brokering transfer deals.

So it is little surprise the manager is keen to see the 58-year-old back soon.

Tisdale said: "Steve is always available to talk to people, that is one of his traits — he' s very approachable and always happy to discuss subjects with people.

"Even when he was in hospital he was happy to take calls. He's still talking to people on the phone now, but he's not back at work and won't be for a fair time yet."