An interview with John Russell

Russell joined the club in May last year from Galway United, where he was their star player. The midfielder wasted no time in settling into the team, instantly putting in a number of Man of the Match quality performances. Just like the majority of last years successful squad, he was happy to put pen to paper on a new deal and hopes to land the league title this year.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Finn

First of all John, Thanks for taking the time to do this interview.

"No problem at all"

Who were your inspirations in football growing up ?

"Roy Keane was a big inspiration growing up. He had amazing drive and dedication. I think he was the greatest Irish player of all time. What he achieved in his career was unbelievable. Nowadays, my favourite player is Andres Iniesta. I’ve been watching him since he broke into the Barcelona team. I love his style of play and I try to learn from him all the time."

After all the highs of last season, do you feel you'll be under even more pressure this year to succeed to meet the fans expectations ?

"I think the fans expectations and the players are the same. We both want sligo to be successful. Success brings pressure. I think our achievements, as a team last year will drive us on even further. We all have a taste for success now and winning trophies and we want that to continue. We’ve a great bunch of lads apart from John Dillon who’s always moaning about his back or his leg or something!! ☺"

The club venture in to Europe this year, are you excited about your first experience of playing in a major European competition ?

 "Yeah I can’t wait for the draw to be made and see who we play. I think our style of play will be suited to European football so we could do very well. I’m really happy for Alan Keane to get the chance to redeem himself in Europe this year because I know he still has nightmares about that first leg tie 2 years ago!"

In midfield, you're part of a Holy Trinity of sorts for Sligo Rovers, whats it like to play alongside players of the calibre of Richie Ryan and Joseph Ndo ?

"It’s brilliant. I really enjoy playing in a three-man midfield. I think we work well together. Richie was rightly voted player of the year last season. He’s the best player I’ve seen in the league since Keith Fahey. Joey is Joey!!! He’s a top quality player. I think we can all learn from him."

It must have been an amazing feeling to win two cups in your first season with Rovers. Did you think you'd end the season with two Cup winners medals to your name ?

"I never thought I’d win two medals. Its’ always difficult to win a cup because you never know what can happen in a one off game. But we played some brilliant football towards the end of the season. I think we deserved them both. Ciaran Kelly’s heroics in the FAI Cup final were unbelievable but its hard to take this year when he’s singin ‘I saved it 4 times…in the Aviva…I saved it 4 times’ every morning before training!!!"

If not a footballer, what would you be right now ?

"I'd probably be an entrepreneur. I cant see myself working for someone when I finish playing football. I’d like to own my own business. What that is remains to be seen. I might employ Danny Ventre in the future. He’s got a bit about him and knows how to make a few quid. Those Liverpool boys don’t miss a trick ☺."

David Willis asks:

Why did you decide to re-sign for Sligo Rovers ?

"I believe Sligo Rovers is the best team in the league. We’ve got a great bunch of lads and I really enjoyed my time here last year. Sligo is a massive football town and the goodwill around the place is amazing. The people can’t be more helpful. Hopefully we can give them more good times this year."

What are your ambitions for 2011 ?

"To stay away from Dominos on a Tuesday and to continue to help davo with his driving! Ah no, personally I want to score a lot more goals this year and improve my all round game. I want to win more honours and trophies."

How did it feel to play in the Aviva Stadium on front of such a massive crowd ?

"It was an amazing experience. Ill never forget it. I hope to play there again in the near future. It really gives you motivation to play at a higher level. It must be amazing playing in front of those numbers week in week out."

What do you think of the new signings made by Paul Cook ?

"I think the gaffer has made some very good signings. Obviously the fans know all about raff and what he can do. I know Aaron green from my time at Galway. I think he’s got great ability and will be a big success here as will young Daryl Horgan. I’ve always found Alan Kirby a though opponent to play against and I have been impressed with him so far in pre season. I also know Brendan Clarke from my time with the Irish Schools team. I think he is a top keeper. And he’s a good lad to have in the dressing room. McGuiness is a dark horse. That’s all I’m sayin!! Ah no he’s a top lad. He’s tryin to copy myself and Dav with the stretching at the moment. We’ll see if he keeps it up!! But I think all the boys have fitted in well. "

Evan Cawley asks:

Although Sligo Rovers was the nearest Premier Division team to you, was it a difficult choice to have to leave Galway ?

"Yeah it’s always difficult to leave your hometown club but I felt the time was right to move on. I wanted to improve my game and compete and win trophies and thankfully I did that last year. But I want more success this year."

Knowing Iarfhliath Davoren and Alan Keane played here, was it a big factor in your decision to move here, and more importantly, did it help you settle in quicker ?

"I wouldn’t say it was a big factor in me choosing to sign for Rovers. But it definitely helped me settle in quicker. I was injured for the first 2 months that I signed so the two lads were very helpful to me. I moved in with Dav. He’s one of my best mates outside of football. I was a bit shocked when I first came up though. I couldn’t get over Keano’s clobber…it has actually improved since he was in Galway. Although he still has that Death Valley t shirt!!"

Thanks David Willis and Evan Cawley for providing questions