EXETER City midfielder Bertie Cozic admits the prospect of playing in next season's Devon derby against arch-rivals Plymouth Argyle played a part in him signing a short-term deal.

Cozic yesterday put pen to paper on a six-month contract following weeks of negotiations with manager Paul Tisdale.

The 32-year-old Frenchman was considering quitting football to concentrate on running the city centre crepe cafe he opened last year.

But now he is looking forward to facing the relegated Pilgrims and will look out for the games against City's great rivals when the 2010/11 league fixtures are released tomorrow morning.

"I am pleased to get the contract signed," Cozic told Echo Sport. "Like last year I had to decide whether I was going to carry on or not.

"The manager wanted me to stay so here I am again.

"To be part of the team that will face Plymouth next season is an exciting prospect. Since I have been in Exeter everyone has talked about Plymouth and how it is the game to play in.

"It is another reason to be part of something. Derby games create such excitement, whether it is Manchester United against Manchester City or Arsenal against Tottenham or lower league derbies.

"Plymouth will be the first game I look out for when the fixtures are announced this week because I have never played in a big derby before.

"Yes, we played Torquay two seasons ago but that is not a massive derby match — certainly nothing along the lines of Exeter against Plymouth.

"For me to experience this one would be something to savour."

Cozic has played 107 times for City since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2006.

But he faces fierce competition for a place in the side next term after Ryan Harley, Liam Sercombe and James Dunne cemented their places in the Grecians' three-man midfield towards the end of last season.

And, with former Bristol City midfielder David Noble on course for a return to action after almost a year out with a knee injury, Cozic admits he has a fight on his hands.

"I am like any other player in that I want to play," he said. "It has been a privilege to be part of this squad and, as for the next step, we will see what happens in six months' time.

"I have enjoyed playing under Paul (Tisdale) and I trust the decisions that he makes.

"At the end of last season Ryan, Liam and James did a great job and you have to put your hands up and say 'well done, you deserve to be out there'.

"Since I have been at Exeter I have learned to accept things, keep working hard and be ready when you get your opportunity.

"You don't want to be in a position where you are too relaxed and taking your place for granted."