Robins swoop for Russell

Midfielder returns to Whaddon Road

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 17th June 2008  

Robins swoop for Russell

Russell: Bags of experience

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Cheltenham have completed their first piece of summer business, snapping up Alex Russell from Bristol City.

The veteran midfielder, who enjoyed a spell on loan at Whaddon Road last season, has agreed a two-year contract with the club.

Russell joined the Robins during the January transfer window and made 13 appearances in Cheltenham's impressive end-of-season run-in.

He also spent a period with League One rivals Northampton during the 2007/08 campaign, but caught the eye during his time with Keith Downing's men.

The Robins' boss is delighted to have signed the 35-year-old in time for the pre-season preparations, and expects Russell to play a key role in the club's development next term.

Influence

"I'm absolutely delighted to have Alex on board with us," Downing told Cheltenham's official website.

"He was a big influence on our recovery last year and his experience will be invaluable to us. Alex has a strong desire to prolong his career and I'm sure he can play a major role for us over the next two years.

"He is a very dedicated professional who looks after himself and there was a noticeable difference to our team towards the end of last season when he was in it. His passing ability in particular was important and he also has the ability to come up with important goals.

"Alex had a couple of other options to join different clubs and that shows how highly regarded he is. Hopefully his decision was swayed by his time with us last season. He knows our work, how I like to work and I know he enjoyed playing a part in our survival.

"We are all keen to push on and move the club forward and Alex wants to be part of that."