Derby Daze

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams is a man for the big occasion.

The Pilgrims boss is relishing this Saturday’s Devon Derby, as Argyle face rivals Exeter City in the first Devon Derby in Sky Bet League 2 this season.  

The two county rivals may not be cross-city rivals but the 45 minute journey does not damped the fervour when the teams meet. The sides have met once already this season, at the beginning of October, when Adams’ side beat the Grecians 2-0 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy thanks to goals from Hiram Boateng and Craig Tanner.

This time, however is the first time the teams will face off in the league. Luckily for the Green Army, Derek loves a derby. 

“I like big occasions,” he said. “I like the derby matches. It’s something I’ve been part of as a manager and as a player.

“Big Terry (Butcher) and I had a lot of good derby matches in Inverness and this will be no different.

“I didn’t play in a lot of derbies.  Aberdeen and Dundee United is a derby in Scotland but I didn’t play in a one-city derby. This is not a one-city derby, but it’s a nice match to play and be involved in. 

“It’s a different game (to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash); different teams; different personnel. We’ll have to be in top form to win the game.”

Derek’s fellow Scot, winger Gregg Wylde, is also a man who knows all about derbies and what they involve. The number 11 is just as keen as his manager to be involved in the local derby, stressing how much he is looking forward to it. 

“It’s another derby I can put on my CV that I’ve played in,” said Gregg. 

“Because I’ve had my childhood in Glasgow I was born a Rangers supporter. I’ve been to Rangers and Celtic games; I’ve always wanted to play in them - and I’m lucky I did.

“It is nerve-wracking; I think one of the games I was sick before the game. I think we were at home to Celtic.

“It’s a massive game, everybody knows about the bragging rights between the 2 cities so I’m looking forward to it.

“Hopefully we can put a good performance on.”