Exeter finally lost their FA Cup battle against Manchester United last night after 180 minutes of determined, spirited football.

The clash undoubtedly brought back the spirit of one of the world's greatest competitions - and also helped the progress of one of the finest young coaches in the game.

Alex Inglethorpe received high praise from Sir Alex Ferguson for his tactical awareness and professionalism over the two ties, and the Exeter boss' attitude comes as absolutely no surprise.

I have known Inglethorpe since he began his managerial career at Sunday league level, and have watched every step of his career since.

As a former player under his management I am aware of how he would get the best out of his players. His tactical awareness and coaching skills are probably beyond his years as he sets out at the age of 33.

But it has always been his target to become of the country's top coaches - and he already appears to be on his way.

Many have been surprised by the way he has masterminded such organised, impressive performances against the FA Cup holders over the past 12 days.

But anyone who knows him will not have been.

He may come across as 'Cool Alex' in front of the cameras - but trust me, even he can lose his temper in the dressing room if he is not happy with the way his side are playing.

It has been strange watching the man who used to give us team talk's in local Sunday league clubs just five years ago appear on every television station and national newspaper.

However, it has also made myself and others proud to know that we were there when it all began.

Exeter will now leave the limelight for the time being as the FA Cup begins to hot up and Manchester United prepare for an all-Premiership tie with Middlesbrough.

But the non-league club will take great pride from their experience over the past two weeks, and use it to their advantage as they concentrate on gaining promotion back to the Football League.

Inglethorpe will continue to go about his daily routine in the same way as ever, calculating his methods to overcome his next non-league opponents.

And before long I am confident we will be seeing more of him on our television screens as he has the potential to become one of the top managers in England.