FORMER Plymouth Argyle player Mark Molesley says he will not be intimated by any boo-boys inside Home Park when he returns to the ground with his Exeter City teammates this weekend.
The Grecians face one of the most eagerly-anticipated Devon derbies in recent years when they take on Plymouth on Saturday (1pm).
Both sides are desperate for a victory to help their causes at either end of the League Two table, but the match has a little bit of extra spice added to it by the fact that Molesley spent six weeks at Argyle earlier this term.
He became a fans' favourite at Plymouth for his combative and energetic midfield play. And while Molesley says he is grateful to Plymouth for taking him on loan, he is unsure what kind of reception he will get on his return.
"I don't think the Plymouth fans will be too happy with where I have signed, given the rivalry," said Molesley.
"I'm a professional footballer and I can't let any of that affect me. I just have got to concentrate on trying to get the three points for Exeter, because they are my employers and they are the ones I'm going to be fighting for."
Molesley has had a taste of the Devon derby already when he lined up for Plymouth in their 1-1 draw at St James's Park in December. The former Bournemouth midfielder put in an impressive display and he added that derby matches are always games he looks forward to.
"They are games you definitely want to say you have played in and they are definitely ones you want to say you have had the bragging rights in as well so there is everything to play for it," he said.
"It is going to be almost like a cup tie. I think form and where you are in the league goes out of the window in a game like this. It is a local derby, it is going to be blood and thunder and a great atmosphere and we have got to be right on our game, because I know Plymouth will be well up for it.
"I think this is the biggest derby I have played into be honest. I have had some big games at Bournemouth – the Southampton game when I was at Bournemouth was obviously a big one – but this one is another big derby and one I will be pleased to say that I have played in."
Molesley, who joined City at the end of January, has also impressed in his time at St James's Park. He was originally signed as a replacement for right-sided midfielder Liam Sercombe, who fractured his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Barnet in late December.
However, in recent weeks Molesley has been playing in central midfield to cover for the injured Matt Oakley and Tommy Doherty.
It is another position he has excelled in, picking up the man-of-the-match award in the 0-0 draw with league leaders Gillingham and then helping City thrash Bradford City 4-1.
"I have really enjoyed being in the centre," he said. "I am happy to do a job wherever the team needs me. But in the centre of park I quite like it. You are quite involved in the game throughout. You are right in the centre of the action, so I have enjoyed my time in there I must admit."
