Here are a couple of links to VG. Have no time to translate right now, but will tanslate the titles. The first article is 2 days old. The second one is from today and is not really about Russell, but another player who believes the team is fine and no new players are needed. The transfer is to be carried out this summer and the article says contact was made this past december, but nothing was settled. I believe Russell has expressed his interest in playing for RBK. If no one translates this by the time I get home from work today I will do it then. Men det er en dårlig unnskyldning for dere som kan norsk! Hjelpe lit, ja? RUSSELL HEADED TO ROSENBORG http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=227689 THE STABLE IS GOOD ENOUGH http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=227889 I'm not sure if stable is used to describe a roster in english, can't remember hearing it, but that is directly translated so nanner nanner nanner.
nice. if this happens A) I hope RBK draws an easier opponent in the Qualiying Round than Deportivo this next time up and B) My brother/sister in law live in Trondheim. Road Trip!
I will try to find out for sure, but I could have sworn I heard that RBK will not have to play the preliminary qualy rounds of the CL next season. The team that eliminated them advancing as far as they did was the reason. That might be far from the truth, I'll look it up if I can. I would say Russell's chances of starting would be very, very high. He has garnered quite alot of praise in Norway for his play and even in games where he wilts a bit on defense he still manages to prove dangerous at the other end of the field. Check out his recent match against Lillestrom for an example of what I mean. He didn't look to be having his best day at the back, but nearly scored what would have been a very nice goal and played in some dangerous balls. He is good enough, period!
Here's another from the 25th... http://fotball.adressa.no/nyhetsarkiv/article.jhtml?articleID=62133 So is this a done deal, or just rumor at this point?
I see Russell will be 25 this July. I was disappointed that he didn't get time against Denmark in January. That (seems like it would have been) perfect game to see what he can do. A couple good years at Rosenberg could profile him for even bigger/better things in Europe. Still time to make a major Euro league. (although life there must be nice)..
Well this move would be enough to get him fixed on Arena's radar. Rosenborg is by far the biggest Norwegian club.
This is great news. Was looking like a downer of a year for him. Champions play with a team that does it well. good for him I, however, repeat buff's question: Is it real or rumor?
RBK approached Sogndal in december, but a deal wasn't agreed on. As of right now RBK have named him as one of 3 or 4 players that they are seriously looking at and are planning on buying at least 2 players in the next transfer window. More than rumor, less than a done deal. Russell is saying he wants to play for them. I will keep everyone updated as best I can.
I'd much rather see Russell get a shot (as a back-up contingency plan type) then Heydude at the RM shot. I think Cherundolo is pretty solid there now, but after him- Russell would seem as good as option as any in a 4 man AND he is the right age (I think we all agree, if Frankie ever loses a step he is worse then dead (heck, the Dutch made him look slow)- and Frankie is soccer mid-age right now (and moving thru it)... What hurts Russell is he is so far away (to use for qualifiers). Maybe if he improves/keeps improving at Rosenberg, Bruce gives him a serious look in 2005-2006? (Mastro 2002 idea)..
I've never seen the kid play, but hey, if he is a starter at Rosenborg, that's a big deal. I would say it's roughly the equivalent of starting for Hannover. (A lil' better if they make group play in the CL, a lil' worse if they don't.) With this, and the play of Convey vs. Mexico, our fullback situation looks alot brighter than it did a few months ago.
yeah, me neither but rosenborg is no push over and have made played well in the champions league. bottom line: they are a big team, especially by norwegian standards and this bodes well for robbie. can't wait to get a look at this guy sometime soon.
Certainly a step-up, but I still wouldn't compare it to starting in BL (level of competition week-in, week-out good for player). Close, but 6 or so games in CL don't make up for 30 against BL caliber IMO. Having said, yeah, Rosenberg would probably be OK in the BL (not necessarily relegation fodder, probably lower middle-table like Hannover)...
I've seen Russell play several times on webcasts and he's a solid, tight man marking back. He looks strong as an ox because he's so compact. Like stated previously he's also very good at moving forward and providing attacks out of the back. I really hope this move to Rosenborg works out. Rosenborg players draw interest form top Euro clubs and this would be a great way for Russell to showcase his skills. Playing in the CL will give him great experience and more exposure to Arena. I've said since last year that I believe Russell has a chance to make the '06 squad and hopefully through this move it will allow us to see him in qualifiers.
Anyone know if any players from Rosenberg regularly play for the National team (Norway)? I tried to find answer and got stymied..
Vidar Riseth, Jan Gunnar Solli, Epsen Johnsen,Harald Brattbakk,and Frode Johnsen have all played for Norway this year.
You guys remember a few years back (I do!) when we started following Stevie C.- who was trying to break-in/breaking in to the lineup at a 2nd division, middle of table Hannover. Look at him now. Robbie, it can happen to you! Head up, and keep up the good work..
I remembered the story about the kid: His father is an American working in Ghana (yes, the Freddy's Ghana!) and married his mom there. So he played the street ball with Ghanaian kids. The reason he was able to play because he can supply the soccer balls. In the beginning, he got schooled big time, but later on he picked up the ball skill on the way.
That's true, but not my point. I'm not talking about the caliber of the competition, but the caliber of the team.
Regarding CL qualifications: http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/news/Kind=1/newsId=176413.html As you'll see, Rosenborg will enter at the 2nd qualification round, so they'll have to beat one of the winners from 1st qualification round, and one of the teams in 3rd qualification round, that is one of: ESP Q3 RC Deportivo La Coruña ESP Q3 Real Madrid ITA Q3 Juventus FC ITA Q3 FC Internazionale ENG Q3 Manchester United FC ENG Q3 Liverpool FC GER Q3 Leverkusen FRA Q3 Monaco GRE Q3 FC PAOK POR Q3 SL Benfica HOL Q3 PSV Eindhoven SCO Q3 Rangers FC TUR Q3 Fenerbahçe SK BEL Q3 RSC Anderlecht CZE Q3 FC Baník Ostrava SUI Q3 FC Basel 1893 UKR Q3 FC Dynamo Kyiv ISR Q3 Maccabi Haifa FC At least at the time when the article was written. Edit: Fixed some of the names in the table
Does any know if this rumored transfer has progressed? Rosenborg haven't been too strong out the gate early on this season. Russell would definately be a strong addition to their backline.
Just noticed that Sogndal will be playing against Rosenborg this weekend. What a perfect chance for Russell to impress!! Good luck and hope he lands at Rosenborg soon.
I think the game is monday, but footy day here. I'll make a quick scan and see If I come up with some more articles. I see no one has translated the first couple. It looks as if RBK are destined for the UEFA cup again. There are some big boys on that list of potential opponants just to get into the CL. Sogndal are getting desperate for a win and they could sneak one in this round. RBK still look beatable despite the win last weekend, unfortunately, and indeed this would be a great chance for Robbie to show his worth on his potential future home turf.
http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=228458 basic gist: RBK Cleaning the Ranks (or something like that) Roar Strand is possible on his way out. He has to stay fit and play in games and no promises can be made that he will be kept past this summer despite having a contract out the season. 3 players who are definately leaving are Dagfinn Enerly who may be on his way to FFK, Lars Blixt who has been a bomb for the club, and Odd Inge Olsen who was a "hit" at Molde but who has been a flop at RBK. Bratseth says none of these three will get new contracts. Enerly could go to FFK as early as this summer. I'd say the door is opening nicely for Russell. Still looking for some update pertaining more directly to him though.