EXETER City boss Paul Tisdale could never be accused of believing the grass is always greener.

The Grecians manager has consistently ignored the overtures of higher-division clubs eager to lure him away following four success-laden years at City.

Loyalty is a quality the 37-year-old manager has spoken of frequently in the past and, in the case of his relationship with Exeter City, that loyalty is reciprocated.

Tisdale has made no secret of his desire for the pitch at St James's Park to be updated and this summer, the club — backed by the fundraising activities of its supporters — has granted him his wish.

Last season, if it wasn't the City boss lamenting the boggy conditions underfoot, it was any number of his npower League One contemporaries.

Gus Poyet and Alan Pardew were two high profile critics of a surface Tisdale oft described as a 'quagmire'.

It seemed two quick promotions had exposed the pitch — a playing surface not too many Blue Square Premier sides would moan about but not able to cut it in League One and, more pertinently, a significant encumbrance to Tisdale's own ambitions for his team.

Well tonight the Grecians entertain Bristol City in what will be the first game on a new £150,000 playing surface, and the City boss admits he is relishing the prospect of seeing his side take to it for the first time.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the pitch and seeing how it plays," said Tisdale.

"What a huge investment it has been for the club and I'm really pleased it's been done.

"It will be great just to be on it. Time will tell how it does. I'm sure it will pay dividends in the middle of the season.

"But at this stage I'm just glad to be on it and looking forward to seeing the new configuration of the ground as well.

"With the pitch moving slightly there will be a different feel to it. New dugouts as well so it will be interesting to see how that feels.

"The dugouts are on the other side this season so I will at least be able to keep my feet clean."

One player who won't be able to enjoy the benefits of City's new pitch tonight is skipper Matt Taylor.

The defender picked up a minor back injury following an awkward landing in the first half of Friday night's 2-0 friendly defeat to Crystal Palace at Tiverton Town. "Taylor has jarred his back," explained Tisdale. "He went really high and landed on a hard surface (against Palace).

"I imagine he won't spend too much time out. I imagine he will miss tonight's game but I think he will be ready (for the start of the season)."

Richard Duffy, who also appeared to pick up a knock on Friday, is expected to be fit enough to play.

The game also sees a number of Exeter players with Bristol City connections face their former club. David Noble was a key player for the Robins before injury intervened, while Tisdale himself, player-coaches Rob Edwards and Marcus Stewart, Ryan Harley and Scott Golbourne have all played for Bristol City, while first team coach Andy Tillson was a Bristol Rovers stalwart.