Jake Doyle-Hayes has given his first interview after joining the Grecians on a two-year deal from League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers.
The 26-year-old joins as the club’s 1931 Fund player – part funded by supporters – and brings with him a career that spans England, Scotland and Ireland.
Speaking about the move to Devon he said: "I'm delighted to get it done. Happy to be here and work with the manager again. I'm excited to see what happens this season."
Jake worked with manager Gary Caldwell at Hibs in Scotland and is excited to link-back up in EX4: "I worked with Gary at Hibs and I just had a few conversations with him on the phone and once I had them conversations, I was pretty set on coming," Said Jake. I'm really excited for the season ahead and excited to work with the lads and getting going.
Jake joins City part-way through the season in the League of Ireland and has already made 19 appearances since February.
"I'm ready to go whenever I'm needed," said Jake. "I'm feeling fit and excited. I really enjoyed my time at Sligo Rovers. It was my first time probably coming back home to Ireland since I left when I was younger, so I didn't really know what to expect. But the standard in the league has definitely gone up this season and the club has been really good to me and my family I really enjoyed working with the manager and his staff over there. I'm really excited to get this one done."
The Irishman joins a long list of players to wear the prestigious 31 shirt - part funded by a group of supporters and he is really excited to wear the shirt with pride. Fellow Irishmen Pierce Sweeney and Graham Cummins have also worn the shirt in previous seasons.
"I'm honoured to wear the 1931 shirt, it's really unique in football and I didn't really hear about it before I came and once it got put to me, I was really excited to do it.
"Anything I can do to get involved with the community, I'll do. And it's exciting that all the fans in the community are also involved at the club, and it definitely adds another element to it. I'm hoping that they'll enjoy seeing me play and I can give everything I can to make them happy."
When asked to describe his style of play, Jake added: "I'm box-to-box. I wear my heart on my sleeve and will do everything I can for the team. I think I'm pretty selfless. Whatever the team needs me to do, I'll do it. Hopefully I can chip in with a couple of goals every now and again!"
Hear more from Jake below: