Although technically a new signing, Simon Russell is no stranger to the many U's fans who supported the team to safety at the end of the 2009/10 season. On loan from York City, Russell impressed supporters with his commitment, skill and attacking attitude in the Cambridge United midfield.

After hugely impressing Martin Ling, he was offered a two-year contract on his release by the Play-Off finalists, something which took him no time to accept.

"There was a little bit of interest from a couple of clubs in the same league, but in my own mind I only ever wanted to sign for Cambridge. They would have only been a factor had United not wanted me, because after how I ended the season it felt like the right thing to do, after such an enjoyable spell."

The former Hull City trainee revealed the draw to sign for the U's wasn't just his excellent end of season form, but the whole package playing for Cambridge United offers.

"Cambridge United are a League Club in all but status. I remember United playing at the KC Stadium when I was at Hull and holding their own. Having played for other Conference sides, Cambridge was always one of the biggest games of the season, always one of the better grounds, and I didn't actually realise how good the fans were until I came here."

The 25-year-old winger also put forward the importance of good facilities within the club, "The training ground is the best I've seen in the Conference, along with the organisation of everything. It's all very professional, how it should be. Everything seems set up for a real good push at promotion this year." Simon enthused, in what will no doubt be music to U's fans ears.

Russell, who was born in Hull and is affectionately nicknamed 'Scholesy' by his team-mates, is the ultimate utility player. Martin Ling used his versatility to the full, playing him on both wings and central midfield. But where does Simon feel he is most effective?

"That's actually a hard question for me to answer!" he says with a smile, "As a youngster I started out as a central midfielder, but when I moved into League Two I was asked to play out wide due to my size and build, as most managers at that level like their central midfielders to be all height and strength. At Kidderminster I played on both wings and in the hole behind the two strikers, yet when I went on loan to Tamworth last year I ended up playing the holding role in front of the back four.

"I'd never played in that position before, but ended up really enjoying it and things went well for me in that role. If pushed I would say I enjoy playing in the middle more, because you see more of the ball and have a bigger influence on the game. But I also think it's a great advantage to be able to play in four or five positions, because you can be a bigger asset to the team than just playing in one."

After leaving his hometown team Hull City, Russell pitched up at Kidderminster for four successful years, before he had the opportunity to move closer to home when York City came in for his signature. Only months after signing for the Minstermen, Colin Walker was sacked and replaced by current manager Martin Foyle, sadly a move that meant Simon's days were numbered. On signing for United, initially on loan, he was aware he didn't come with the best appraisal from York City's supporters.

"Things didn't quite work out for me at York, which was quite plain to see. I was signed by Colin Walker in August, but months later he was sacked. Things became quite hard for me when the new manager came in, and I felt I didn't get a real chance for a good run in the team to show what I can do. I'm my own worst critic when things aren't going well, and I don't need York's fans or anyone else to tell me I wasn't at my best.

"I kept my head down, worked hard in training and reserve games but I never got a chance. These things happen in football though and I don't hold grudges. It was a shame, because when I signed for York I was closer to home and I felt things could really work out, but it wasn't to be."

Things couldn't have been more different for Simon at the Abbey Stadium, his energy in midfield and good form a catalyst for United's late surge up the table. Something he puts down to the management of Martin Ling, "He's a good manager. He's quite different from some managers I've worked with. He's laid back and quite calm in general, but when he needs to get his point across to a player or for the team, people stand up and listen."

That calmness personified we see from Martin Ling may have been tested with the news that Danny Crow and Dan Gleeson were leaving for pastures new, but Simon Russell agrees whilst they were good players, there are other people who can come in and fill their boots.

"Players like 'Crowy' and 'Glees' are massive losses, and they helped contribute to our good form in the last third of the season, but in saying that, there are also other players out there that can score more goals than Danny. Don't get me wrong, I loved playing with 'Crowy', I'm one of his biggest fans, but he's not the only goal scorer out there that a club of this size can attract.

"It's the same with Gleeson, I enjoyed playing alongside him and he's a great defender, but we already have the likes of 'Robbo' (Kevin Roberts) ready to come into the side, who is a good full back in his own right. If you actually look, 'Robbo' has played more games in the Football League than 'Glees', and he's five years younger. So whilst it is disappointing for fans and players alike to see popular players go, it's not the end of the world."

Wise words indeed. After reading and hearing other interviews already this pre-season, all of the players are on record as saying how they cannot wait for the season to start, and the former Kiddy wingman is no different.

"I'm already looking forward to August. I hope to carry on the form I showed in my loan spell and to cement a starting place in the team, but that will only come with hard work in pre-season. One personal aim I'm looking to improve on is my goal-scoring. It's been over a year since I last scored a goal so I need to sort that out. I know how important it is to the team to have goal-scoring midfielders so I'll be working hard on that aspect of my game.

"As I mentioned before, everything about this club from top to bottom is set up for the Football League, and I feel next season could really be the one we can push on and win promotion."

I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping Simon Russell is right.

Interview by Chris Vessey

Cambridge United: YOUR CITY - YOUR CLUB

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