Drogheda United’s most recent recruit Sean Russell has spent the last few months in the USA playing at Louisville City, and he arrives back to Irish football to a team in a position which he has already experienced during his time at Limerick - a rel
Drogheda United’s most recent recruit Sean Russell has spent the last few months in the USA playing at Louisville City, and he arrives back to Irish football to a team in a position which he has already experienced during his time at Limerick - a relegation fight.
“I was fully aware of the situation when I signed for the club so I know what the team needs to do. It's a challenge and I think you always need challenges when you're playing. I know there is only a few games left but each game is going to be a real test,” explained Russell.
Drogheda have been on a poor run of form, without a win in 11 games included four defeats on the trot. Their goal difference currently sits at minus 28, the worst in the league by 15, a testament to their poor form. Russell is hoping to have an impact at both ends of the pitch.
“I'd like to think I can come in and help the team create some opportunities and be a part of the attacking force, but likewise you've got to do both.
“Defending starts from the front, and it's never just the defense’s fault or the goalkeepers fault for conceding. You have to defend as a team and attack as a team.”
Russell played under former Republic of Ireland U21 international James O’Connor during his time at Louisville, but while he enjoyed the playing side of things he failed to settle off the pitch. Nonetheless he was quick to credit the training regime which O’Connor implemented.
“It was probably the toughest pre-season I've done so far to be honest. James was very in to his fitness, he really put us through our paces.
“James, as a coach, was very good. He was very knowledgeable. He would really do his homework on the opposition, he was extremely tactically aware. I enjoyed the football side of things.
“For me, it was more about not settling enough outside and away from the training and matches which put me towards going home.”
Now coming towards the end of the SSE Airtricity League campaign, Russell hopes his arrival can be a positive step towards ensuring Drogheda’s safety in their relegation battle.
He concluded: “I’m just going to try and impact as best I can. Teams down the bottom of the league probably are running out of time and anytime I do get on the pitch I'm going to use it to impact positively.”
