FORMER Ipswich Town striker Richard Logan says that he owes a resurgence in his career to Exeter manager Paul Tisdale.

Elvin King

FORMER Ipswich Town striker Richard Logan says that he owes a resurgence in his career to Exeter manager Paul Tisdale.

The Bury St Edmunds-born 27-year-old, who made five Blues substitute appearances from December 1998 to November 2002, scored the only goal in Exeter's win at Rotherham last weekend.

It was enough to win them promotion to League One, and Logan who has floated around the lower league and non-league since leaving Portman Road is now looking ahead in positive mood.

First of all he wants to gain a new contract at St James's Park after helping the Grecians win successive promotions. He has made 86 league appearances for them and netted 26 goals.

“I have realised this season what football is all about,” said Logan, “You can't just go through the motions. You have to put the work in to get your rewards.

“Since Paul Tisdale has got hold of me I have improved my work-rate and closed people down a lot more.

“Before that I used to go through the motions and Paul has been great with me. He has been immense in bringing the best out of the players.”

Logan, who played for Cambridge United, Torquay, Boston, Peterborough, Shrewsbury, Lincoln and Weymouth between leaving Ipswich and joining Exeter hopes he has done enough to persuade City bosses to hand him a new deal.

“I would love to stay with Exeter,” said Logan. “I have lived there for a few years now, my little girl is at school and the missus works in the area.

“But things happen in football and you get on with life and see what it brings. I am a cool customer but hopefully I will be part of it next season.

“I am not going to cry or get worried about things. I am just happy to be breathing and living life and let's see what happens next season.”

Logan feared his season was over when he suffered an illness midway through the campaign and struggled to get back into the team.

“Twice the illness came back and I thought my season was going to peter out,” added Logan. “You never think you are going to score a goal that takes the club to promotion but it happened and it was brilliant.

“Just before I came on I heard that Accrington had missed a penalty and that gave me a few shivers. But it made me more determined to get the winner.

“When I celebrated I went to my brother plus the lads that weren't involved because it has been a team effort and they should all take some credit.”

Logan thanked the fans - including the 2,454 who were at the Don Valley Stadium - for their unwavering support.

“Last season I scored a few important goals and the fans seemed to take to me,” he said.

“I think they like the way I am. They see that I am working hard.”