Russell: ‘Strikeforce will cause problems’
Striker Andy Russell has declared Colin Cameron’s decision to so far stick with the same strikeforce as last season as something which can “only benefit” the team during the 2015/2016 campaign.
Andy explained: “Keeping the same forwards is definitely a something I see as a positive for us strikers. We already know each other’s games well, and the partnerships between us will continue to improve this season.
Striker Russell is looking forward to linking up with Blair Henderson & Darren Lavery again this season
“Staying together as a unit will only benefit the rest team on the park too – they’ll get used to how we work and hopefully whichever striking pair the boss opts for will start firing.”
And it seems that starting quickly is something the hitman is keen to do, as he continues: “Every striker’s goal target should be to beat their previous season’s efforts – so with that I’m looking to exceed that and go from there.
“We’ve got Montrose at home first game of the season. I see that as a great chance for the club to start with a win. The first victory is always the most difficult to get as both sides will be well up for it, but a good start is crucial for us and we’re looking forward to the game.
“There’s a real feel-good factor around the club at the moment. We’re all pulling in the same direction off the park and that will definitely help us on it.”
Thinking back to last season, Russell admits: “We underachieved last year – we’d be the first to admit that. But this season we’re out to put that right.”
“I’ve really enjoyed my 18 months here so far. Staying here was a no-brainer for me, and even more so when the gaffer shared his plans and ambitions for the new season with me.”
And the scorer also revealed that he’s been putting in extra work off the park to try to improve himself, explaining:
“Ever since I joined the club, I was keen to try bulk up a little. I think you need to have a bit about yourself and be able to hold your own – at this level especially, so it is something I’ve made a concious effort to work on, though not as much as David Banjo, who I hear can slam a revolving door.
“I have to admit the physcial side of it isn’t my favourite part of the game, though I’ll never shy away from a battle with the centre halfs.”
Russell will be looking to make use of his physical attributes to disrupt League Two defences
And it seems the Glasgow-based striker is impressed with the work that Colin Cameron has put in to ensure the playing squad are also prepared for battle this season, declaring:
“The new lads are spot on, everyone has slotted in perfectly in terms of getting on as a team, and that is really important.
“It shows how quickly everyone has settled in that I’ve started travelling to training with Graeme Beveridge, Ewan McNeil and Jenna Orr (club physio) who are all new faces – though I’ve yet to hear a decent bit of banter out of any of them just yet!”
“And it seems like it’s coming together on the pitch, too. There were plenty of positives to take from the St Mirren defeat. The boys more than held their own against a side that have just dropped out of the top flight.
“If a few decisions had went our way then I think we would have even shocked them, but these things happen and it wasn’t to be.”
It seems as though the squad are playing for each other and the coaching staff, with Russell finishing: “That game was perfect example of how the manager and Jason (Dair) have got the boys ready to fight for results.
“Jason has obviously took on more responsibility as assistant, but in truth he’s always had a lot of valuable input, in training and on a match day. He’s got great experience in the game and that can only help us players.”
