Devon Derby Returns as Exeter City Hosts Plymouth Argyle
After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, one of the most intense rivalries in English football resumes on Thursday night as Exeter City welcomes Plymouth Argyle.
Located in a county better known for its vacations and cream teas than football, the Devon derby is a significant event. Exeter's St James Park has been sold out for weeks, and the match will be broadcast live on television.
Both teams are in need of points, currently tied with 13 and positioned precariously between safety and the relegation zone after a quarter of the League One season.
Can Exeter overcome their financially superior rivals, or will Plymouth claim victory and push the Grecians into the drop zone?
'You Need to Play with a Different Fire'
The managers of both teams are well-acquainted with the intensity of derby matches. Exeter's manager, Gary Caldwell, previously captained Celtic and faced Rangers in one of the fiercest derbies globally.
On the other hand, Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley, a former player for Manchester United, Everton, and Watford, has competed in high-stakes matches against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Luton.
"Until you experience a derby, you can't truly understand it. I wouldn't compare it to any other derbies I've participated in, as each has its unique characteristics," says Cleverley, who joined Argyle this summer following their relegation back to League One.
He added, "In my 18-year career, I've only won an away derby once." This week, he toured the city he now calls home to grasp the significance of the game for the local supporters.
"It's one of the best feelings I've had. Winning at Manchester City's Etihad with Manchester United is among my top three memories," he noted. "This is why I am in this profession—to prepare a team to win on days like this."
For Caldwell, this will mark his third Devon derby as a manager. His first experience came just two games into his tenure on Halloween in 2022, where Argyle staged a comeback to win 4-2, followed by a 1-0 defeat at home the following spring as Plymouth secured the League One title.
"I have yet to win one. I need to change that on Thursday night," Caldwell expressed. "The Old Firm [Celtic and Rangers] had a different level of intensity. Those matches were incredible experiences, but they taught me valuable lessons about preparation and the emotional control needed to succeed in such games."
"You must channel a different level of passion because this game is for the supporters; it represents their city and their pride," he added.
Edwards Set to Reach Milestone in Derby
Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards will not only participate in the derby but also celebrate a milestone, making his 250th appearance for the club on Thursday. He has faced the Grecians three times, including two victories last season and a memorable 4-0 defeat at St James Park in October 2019.
"That loss was terrible; it was one of my worst experiences here and remains vivid in my memory," Edwards recalled. "The two victories since were great, but that defeat is not something I wish to repeat."
At 34, Edwards is Argyle's most seasoned player, having led the team to a record-breaking League One title in 2023 and scoring the goal that preserved their Championship status the following year.
"Every game I play, I cherish the opportunity to represent this fantastic club. Achieving 250 appearances in a Devon derby is special, and if we can secure a win, it would be one of my most cherished memories here," he stated.
"I love playing for this club and always strive to give my best effort."
'If I Scored the Winner, I'd Be Naked in the Big Bank'
On the opposite side, Exeter’s Pierce Sweeney has participated in more Devon derbies than anyone else on the pitch Thursday. The 31-year-old Irishman is celebrating his testimonial season at St James Park, with the derby marking his 401st appearance for Exeter.
Of those, five have been against Argyle, with the 4-0 victory being his only win. "It’s been a long time coming; everyone is eager for Thursday’s match," he said.
"I've encountered fans in Tesco and at the petrol station this week discussing the game. The outcome of previous matches doesn’t matter; it’s all about who wants it more. Our manager emphasizes tactics but also the importance of mentality, heart, and winning battles, making this game the perfect opportunity to showcase that."
Having spent nearly a decade at Exeter, Sweeney is regarded as one of their own by the supporters. Despite scoring only three goals in the past five seasons and never netting against Argyle, he joked that a goal on Thursday would lead to a memorable celebration.
"If I scored the winner, I’d be naked in the Big Bank! Not many would want to see that, but I would," he quipped with a playful smile. "I haven’t scored in a long time, and if it happens on Thursday, I wouldn’t apologize to anyone; my partner wouldn’t see me until Friday afternoon!"