DARREN Moore will make his derby debut as Albion boss with former team-mate Garry Monk in the opposition dugout on Friday.
Our Head Coach began his playing career at Torquay, where Monk - then just a teenager - was offering competition at centre-half.
And Moore is looking forward to going toe-to-toe with his Plainmoor colleague at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium.
“Garry is a leader and Birmingham have got the right man there to lead them," says Darren.
“He leads from the front. He has a great managerial record to date and he’s done really well.
“There are things he can and can’t affect but what he can do is continue working with the team. His team are performing very well. That’s credit to him.
“I hope he continues to work and develop the team and I’m sure the results will change.”
He added: “This is an old rivalry and we do battle again on Friday night.
“We’ll be contesting and battling for the three points available.
“They’re excellent matches to play in and this is obviously my first derby as a head coach.
“I’m looking forward to the game and my adrenalin levels will raise for it just like it does for any other.
“There’s no such thing as favourites in a local derby because of the excitement that builds. It adds a little bit more flavour than a normal fixture and my phone hasn’t stopped going this week. I have friends on both sides.”