Stay On It, Stay In It

The Pilgrims’ boss is in the final stages of preparations for his first taste of a Devon Derby – though he is very much aware of the importance surrounding the game for the club and the fans. 

“We obviously know that there’s a great rivalry between the two football clubs,” said Derek, “and it’s something that hasn’t passed me by. 

“We’ve got to look to the fans who are coming through the gate and paying good money to watch the match. We’ve got to be respectful to them and to the competition. We’ll play a team that we think can win the match.” 

Indeed, the boss will not only be fielding his best side possible because of their opponents, and the small matter of the game being Argyle’s 5,000th ever competitive match. Adams has an excellent record in cup competitions in his previous managerial roles, and has carried over that mentality of constant success to Home Park.

“It’s a game that we want to win, and it’s a cup competition where we’ve got the opportunity to do that,” said Derek. 

“We’re at home, we want to take the game to Exeter, and we want to be as positive as we have been in previous games. 

“We’re in a cup competition, and when you’re in it, you want to stay in it. We’ve got an opportunity tomorrow night: it’s a home game, and we wanted a home tie. We’re away to Notts County on Sunday, so we want to go and play the way we have done at home, and pass the ball as well as we can do.”