NEW signing Jake Thomson admits manager Paul Tisdale's reputation persuaded him to sign for Exeter City.
Thomson found himself in demand following his release from St Mary's at the end of last season, with several League One and League Two clubs expressing an interest in recruiting him.
But he opted to join the Grecians because he believes that Tisdale is the right manager to bring the best out of him.
City have always prided themselves on giving young players a chance and Tisdale has supported and enhanced that ethos since taking over in 2006.
The 37-year-old places an onus on developing players and the likes of Dean Moxey, George Friend, Dan Seaborne and latterly Liam Sercombe and James Dunne have all reaped the benefits.
It is precisely that commitment to giving youngsters an opportunity that convinced Thomson to move to St James's Park.
"There were a few clubs that I could have gone to," the former Southampton trainee told Echo Sport.
"But this manager (Paul Tisdale) is someone I really feel I can play for.
"He seems like he is just the type to get the best out of me and I can't wait to start working with him out on the training pitch.
"I have been told that he is renowned for picking up good, young players and helping them to realise their potential.
"That is what I wanted to hear and that was a big selling point for me.
"I really think I can kick on at this football club and I can't wait to get started.
"He told me that he had been following me for a while and that he knows a lot about me.
"That was nice to hear because he has obviously signed me knowing what I can do, what I am all about as a player and with an eye on how I can make improvements to my game.
"It was sad to leave Southampton because I have been there for a long time and grew up there.
"That is where I learnt my football but a lot has changed there recently.
"I was one of the longest-serving players there and I am still only 21. That is crazy.
"But I knew for a while that I would be leaving there and coming to Exeter is an exciting new challenge and one which I am going to make the most of."
City have not had a recognised winger in their squad since Craig Noone spent time on loan at the club from Plymouth Argyle last November.
Tisdale played three at the back for most of last term with wing backs providing the width. But Thompson's arrival will provide fresh options down City's right hand side.
"Perhaps a little bit of width is something that has been missing and that is what I have been brought in for," he added.
"All my career I have got myself out wide and put crosses into the box. Hopefully I can do that here and it will benefit the team.
"I have heard a lot about what is going on at Exeter and I have been told they are a fantastic team and a club which is on the up.
"I saw Troy (Archibald-Henville) when I was down at the training ground on Thursday and he is someone I have played against in youth football.
"Apart from him I don't know anyone else so it is pretty new to me.
"By all accounts the players have really gelled together there and there is a good team spirit in the camp."