Moxey admits he will always be a supporter of his hometown club

DEAN Moxey says his love for Exeter City will never be diminished after he completed his £350,000 switch to Derby County yesterday.

Complications over Moxey's medical meant there was a delay over his move to Pride Park.

But yesterday he opened a new chapter in his career when he joined up with his new teammates for pre-season training.

Moxey brought the curtain down on a 12-year stay at St James's Park when he signed for the Championship club.

But he insists that he will always support his hometown club and wished them good luck for the forthcoming campaign.

"It's a bit of a culture shock for me," he said. "I have been at Exeter since I was 11 and the club went through a lot while I was there.

"I hope they are going to have a good season again this year, because I am a local lad and still an Exeter fan.

"All my friends and family are down there, so it was a hard decision to leave.

"I said I would only leave to join a decent club that could further my career.

"Derby is a massive club and I'm glad to be here. I want to thank Nigel (Clough) for giving me the opportunity and I'm ready to take my chance.

"I'm an Exeter fan, always have been and always will be. I'd love them to get promoted again but I'd love Derby to get promoted even more."

Moxey made his full debut for City in an LDV Vans clash against Hereford United in October 2003 at the age of 17.

Since then he has grown in stature and quality and it was only a matter of time before a higher league club swooped to secure his services.

Rams boss Nigel Clough had been courting him for a number of months before making his move at the end of the season.

A bid of around £200,000 was rebuffed but the two clubs soon agreed on a fee believed to be in the region of £300,000, plus add-ons.

"I was on holiday when I found out Derby were interested in me," he said. "I let my agent deal with it until I got back and then I came up to Moor Farm last Monday to have a look around and sort things out.

"I hope I can make the step up and I believe in myself. I will give my all for this club, like I always do, and hopefully get my place in the first team.

"I'm a hard worker and I never want to lose, like any footballer. I hate losing and love winning."

Moxey was put through his paces yesterday in sweltering temperatures as he began to adjust to life in the Coca-Cola Championship.

But it was the fleet of swanky motors in the training ground car park that proved the biggest eye opener.

"There are a few nice cars in the car park. I didn't know which one to park next to," he said.

"It's been tough training in the hot weather but you've got to do it. I just can't wait to get pre-season over with and get to August 8.

"I went to Pride Park for the first time last week and it is unbelievable. They told me they have sold 22,000 season tickets, which is great.

"I don't really pay attention to the crowd that much but it will be totally different to Exeter. Our highest attendance last season was about six or seven thousand.

"To play in front of 30,000 will be unbelievable."