Ryan Harley says he is really looking forward to playing at St James's Park again and is fit and raring to go for Saturday's League Two match against Burton Albion.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who spent three years at Exeter City between 2008 and 2011, re-joined the Grecians on loan from Swindon Town.
He has signed until January, but it is a deal that is expected to be made permanent in the new year, and Harley says he can't wait to turn out in front of a home crowd.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I had three good years at City and I have got a really good bond with the people associated with the club."
Harley featured in the Grecians' 3-2 win at Accrington Stanley last Friday, going on as a substitute for fellow loanee Alex Nicholls with 11 minutes to go.
His arrival off the bench was greeted by a big cheer from the away end.
"That was a nice moment," said Harley. "Hopefully I will get a nice reception against Burton as well.
"I have spoken to quite a few fans already and they have all been really positive."
Harley's appearance last Friday was the first time he has played a competitive game this season.
He hadn't featured for Swindon since March 15, having been frozen out at the County Ground by boss Mark Cooper. Therefore there are still question marks around his fitness, but Harley says he won't have problem.
"It was pleasing to be back against Accrington and nice to get back out on the pitch," said Harley.
"I actually felt quite good and it was a good win for the side, so it is onto the next game now.
"I'm not 100 per cent, but I'm quite naturally fit, and I feel okay, so I'm ready to play."
During his previous spell at City, Harley helped guide the club to back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One – scoring 32 goals in a 128 appearances.
Therefore he knows what it takes to get a side up to the third tier of English football.
Asked if this current City squad was capable of that, Harley said: "Who knows, it is early days. I have only seen them play at Accrington and at home to Shrewsbury, the week before, so it is hard to tell.
"We will take it game-by-game and go about it quietly, but we will see."
Harley admitted that City do look good going forward though. He said they have got goals all over the team and that should stand them in good stead.
"We have got a lot of talented players going forward," he said. "We have got lots of people that can score goals; forwards, midfielders and wide players. Even some of the defenders can nick goals.
"Hopefully we can continue that over the season and see where we go.
"We are not making too many plans at the moment. It is cliché but you have got to take it one game at a time.
"You can't look too far ahead, because you get stuck then."
Watch Ryan Harley score the winner against Huddersfield Town at the end of 2009/10 season to secure another season in League One for Exeter City.
