Cheltenham Town defender Pierce Sweeney is determined to return to Exeter City and leave with all three points as the Robins travel to St James Park on Saturday.
The defender spent 10 years at Exeter before making the move to Cheltenham during the summer, where he will return for the first time but in a different shirt.
Sweeney admitted that returning to familiar surroundings will feel strange, particularly being in the away dress rooming after spending a decade at the Grecians.
“It’s a little bit strange, sitting in the away changing room will be strange, coming in the away end will be strange,” he explained.
However, the Irish defender is keen to put those emotions aside once the game gets underway.
“It will all be strange for five or 10 minutes but once I’m over that it will be business as usual for me,” he insisted.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the personal significance of the fixture, Sweeney made his intentions clear for his return to Devon.
“I’m desperate to go down there and get three points,” he added.
Cheltenham head into the fixture sitting fifth in League Two with 21 points from 14 games, while Exeter occupy 12th place with 19 points.
The Robins will be looking to respond after a 4-0 defeat to Oxford United in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy, while Exeter produced a cup upset beating League One side Huddersfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup.
Sweeney also reflected on his decision to leave Exeter after a decade at the club, admitting it was a significant moment in both his career and his personal life.
“It was a big decision in my life and my professional career,” Sweeney said. “It’s been a big change but I’ve settled in really quickly and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.”
Having spent four years playing at League One level, Sweeney is hopeful of returning to the third of tier of English football, with the defender hoping the return will be with his current club.
“Hopefully I can get back there before the end of my career and hopefully it’s with this football,” he added.
Cheltenham will travel down to Devon for a lunchtime kickoff against Exeter City, with Cheltenham hoping to cement their place in the playoffs.
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