Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell; What Next?

http://www.sltrib.com/realsaltlake/ci_9973223

Last week Garth said that one signing was contingent on another. It sounds like this signing was the one that would determine the second one. Look for news on a second signing in the near future.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700245409,00.html

Images:
http://www.rbkweb.no/images/russell.jpg
http://www.vg.no/uploaded/image/bilderigg/2004/05/10/1084182829.53482.jpg
http://img.nrk.no/img/420286.jpeg
http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/5137...35F8FA9CA92A6DC9D79456C82E74FFF3FE211717AB081
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Robbie_Russell_2006_05_04.jpg

Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Russell_(soccer)
http://www.soccer-magic.com/mainpages.php?pid=Robbie_Russell

Previous news items:
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=players&id=0006
http://www.soccertimes.com/americans/2004/may10.htm
http://www.soccertimes.com/americans/2006/jul17.htm
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=001576

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Here is what yanks-abroad has about him.

http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=players&id=6

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I think that this is a great signing for us. I hope he can stay healthy!!!

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Robbie will arrive in the Salt Lake area tomorrow and should be available for selection in RSL’s next league match, on Monday vs. Toronto FC.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Sweet. Hopefully this will give us that needed boost to put the ball in the net.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I wonder what this signing means for Andy Williams...

...or Joy.

...or Beltran.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I'm curious about Garth's comments regarding keeping this quiet because of the allocation process. I found a few comments about this and posted them here - Keepin' It Real.

Does anybody know why in the world this would be a concern? Is anyone familiar with the Robbie Rogers situation last year to know if this could have been a similar situation?

Also, it sounds like a release - so is this a free transfer?

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

IMO Andy is a better sub than a starter. Bring him on when Robbie is gassed.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

The good news is that with Wingert, Beltran, Sturgis and Russell we have some versatility.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

so his wife has a place in park city... i'm sure that helped the move to RSL

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Not to mention the Duke connection.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

The Duke connection (if you're referring to a connection with Kreis) is a tenuous one since their collegiate playing days did not overlap.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I think the roots may be deeper than you give them credit, but I have no insight into this. I wasn't referring at all to playing days, but connections instead. And actually I was referring more about Garth than Jason.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Garth did say something on 700 that made it sound like the duke coach had coached all three of them

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Alternate link to this image:
http://www.jamd.com/search?assettype=g&assetid=51372144&text=%22Robbie Russell %22

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/SoccerAmerica/2001/sa1518f.pdf

Good read about Robbie about his upbring, etc. from several years back.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

How much is RSL forking out for Russell?

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I believe it's a free transfer since there was word that Viborg released him from his contract, and Garth said that we got him for a "reasonable salary."

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I've read the bio. Is it just me or does it seem like this guy is just unfulfilled hype?

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

Wow, this guy is faster than Robbie Findley? Does this mean the other players will be able to press forward just a little bit more because he will be quick enough to get back without getting beat on defense? Its always been a complaint of mine that RSL doesn't seem to send enough guys forward at times...

I still recall reading somewhere that this guy isn't a very good crosser, and that does alarm me.

Edit: I found where I heard the crossing statement - wasn't a news article, just a BS post. I guess i won't judge his crossing ability until I see it in person.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

What he gives RSL is a true outside mid who will punish MLS teams who over-rotate with fast runs down the right side (something Andy, despite the fact he has played well this year, doesn't have in his arsenal). Think Klein, but MUUUUUCH faster. What we may see are some true, 3 player attacks (RR + both forwards) over the top, compared to the 2 player ones (just our forwards with really late arriving back side midfielders) we are used to seeing.

No-one in MLS is going to like having to account for RR and Findley at the same time...speed to burn plus a target...NICE.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

I am seriously wondering if they were looking at two similar midfielders. And if we didn't sign Russell, then they would sign the second. Thats what I thought the contigency was.

Anyways, I am thinking there are only 3 positions left that could be picked up with our last roster spot.
Left-sided winger/mid - With the emergence of Morales playing great attacking ball, I would think Beckerman could start playing more defensively and maybe moving back to holding mid. Then adding a left mid that plays wide and fast, could be great for our counter-attacking (which has been pretty non-existant this season) and our width on the field. Beckerman could also roam forward a little more, since we won't be expecting our backs to provide the width as much as now.
Forward - Another forward that can start producing, or at least put a little more pressure on our current forwards to start producing.
D-Mid - I have a feeling there isn't much want here from Kreis because Kovalenko has played every minute for the past 12 games (excluding the suspended game). But, I would like an upgrade here, until Sturgis starts putting in consistant time here.

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

so great we got anouther norway or denmark player that is still 2nd rate and not a star we got enough of them. men mark my words jared borgetti is on his way open the gates its time we got a finisher and star, let the games begin

Re: Real Salt Lake signs midfielder Robbie Russell

My big concern with Russell is his fitness. He seems to have had injury issues throughout his career.