TOM SKELDING admitted he 'grabbed with both hands' the chance of playing Championship rugby with Plymouth Albion this season.

Former Exeter Chief Skelding said he had no qualms about heading down the A38 to play for his erstwhile employer's keenest Devon rivals.

The 27-year-old lock spoke of his delight at joining forces with Albion supremo Graham Dawe and playing in front of the 'knowledgeable' Brickfields' supporters.

Skelding is the second Chief Dawe has recruited, with utility back Gary Kingdom also making the switch from Exeter to Plymouth, while another forward, James Waterhouse has joined from Esher.

Skelding spent the last two seasons with Albion's Devon rivals Exeter after moving there from Moseley in 2007.

He played against Albion for the Chiefs at Brickfields last October, but his impact at Sandy Park was limited.

He made just eight appearances for Exeter during 2008/09 and was given the green light to go out on loan to Launceston for whom he made 10 starts in Division Two last term.

Skelding impressed at Polson Bridge and, unsurprisingly, Launceston were also keen to sign him.

But it was the chance to ply his trade in English rugby's second tier which tipped the balance.

"It's an opportunity to play at a high level for an ambitious club and I grabbed it with two hands, really," said Skelding, whose wife and in-laws all live in Devon.

"I played the opener (against Albion in October) and the atmosphere down here was fantastic.

"To be honest, that was another thing that attracted me to the club – Albion's fan base.

"You've got really knowledgeable supporters here – I think it always brings the best out of players.

"It's also good to be involved in a really traditional rugby club, with good, honest values."

Skelding is equally sanguine the forward style he employed at Exeter will match the programme at Albion, believing there are similarities between the two.

He said: "I think forward-wise, both (Albion and Exeter) like to play aggressively and assert themselves.

"That's something that suits my style of play.

"I don't think there's much difference, but obviously there'll be differences as we go along.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to adapt to whatever style of play Plymouth want."

Skelding, who played under Dawe for Devon in the County Championship match against Somerset last term, said he is fully aware of his new boss' ambitions for Albion this term.

However, Skelding insisted players taking responsibility for their actions on the field was an important factor in a successful side.

"We're all fully aware of what Graham expects of us and more importantly what we expect of each other," said Skelding, who also went out on loan to Cornish All Blacks in 2007/08.

"It's all very well having coaches telling you what they want you to do, but it's got to be player-driven to a certain extent.

"We've tried to bring that into training already.

"For example, if you make a mistake – put your hand up and be honest about it.

"There's got to be 100 per cent honesty all the way through the team.

"If we've got that, we won't be far short."

Skelding admitted he had not been surprised at being released by Exeter, who were runners-up to promoted Leeds last season.

He said Exeter, who effectively missed the promotion boat when they drew with Esher just before Christmas last year, decided to chop down their large squad of players.

"I wasn't surprised to be honest with you, as my game-time was limited," said Skelding.

"At the beginning of the year, I played quite a bit, but I was not involved in the Esher draw.

"Since then, Exeter have decided to stick with a smaller squad."

Skelding added: "I took the opportunity to go on loan rather than to become stagnant, because it's no good not playing.

"I went to Launceston and played out the rest of the season – and I'm very grateful to them for the opportunity.

"I had some brief chats with John Hill (Launceston director of rugby), but it was just a case of trying to play at as high a level as possible.

"The chance to play in the Championship was a great opportunity."

Skelding dismissed the notion he would be particularly keen to prove a point to Chiefs when Albion play them next season.

"I don't really see it like that, to be honest," he said.

"I enjoyed my time at Exeter, got on really well with all the players and all the coaches, and I benefited from being in a full-time environment.

"I think I really improved as a player."