Club News

Derek Paints a Picture

ARGYLE manager Derek Adams is looking forward to an “extra special” encounter with Exeter City after his Devon Expressway Derby debut was brought forward by Saturday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy draw.

The Pilgrims were handed a home date with their Devon neighbours when the second round draw was made on Saturday morning.

The game, in week beginning October 5, is six weeks before the teams are scheduled to meet at Home Park in the first of their two Sky Bet League 2 games this season.

It will be Derek’s first experience of an English derby and he said: “A derby’s a derby and, when derbies come along, both teams want to win. 

“Both teams don’t like each other – that’s the nature of a derby match – and will want to get the upper hand on their opponents. This derby is going to be extra special.”

Argyle did the league Derby Double over Exeter last season, winning 3-0 at home and beating City at St James Park later, when Reuben Reid became the first Pilgrim to score an away hat-trick in the long history of the fixture.

“We’re delighted it’s a home tie,” said Derek. “We travelled to Wimbledon for the first game, so it’s obviously beneficial it’s at home.

“We’re looking forward to the first derby match and I’m sure there will be a big crowd there.”