Russell bulks up Rye resources

The powerful former Hastings United player, who is best known as a defender but who wants to play in midfield, has joined Sam Adams and Sean Kelly in signing for the Sussex County League Division One outfit.

Rye manager Scott Price said: “I would rather play with him than against him and he will give us a bit more of a physical presence which I think we lacked a little bit last year.”

With Russell and Kelly on board, Rye certainly do appear to have a more muscular look about them going into the new campaign and Price is hoping his team will be stronger on dead ball situations at both ends of the field.

“We did lose a lot of goals from set-pieces last year which surprised me in a way with the players we had, but also we didn’t score enough from set-pieces, especially when you’ve got the likes of Duncan (McArthur) and Paul Watson who can put the ball where you want it,” continued Price.

There is uncertainty over midfielders Jack Dixon and Matt Maclean, who played in friendly matches for Ryman League clubs Burgess Hill Town and Hastings United this week, but Price was hopeful of landing another high profile signing.

The full article will appear in tomorrow’s Rye Observer.