Allan Russell: 'I hope we can give the fans something to shout about at the end of the season'

Mar 5 2008 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ALLAN Russell has promised Airdrie fans he will deliver the goods before heading off to the SPL in the summer.

The striker grabbed a brace against Queen’s Park on Saturday as the Diamonds clawed two points back on Ross County.

But they still trail the league leaders by nine points, having played a game more, but Russell is desperate to end his short stay at the club on a high.

He is set to sign a pre-contract with either Kilmarnock or another top-flight club this month and is determined to lead the club to promotion before he goes.

He said: “It looks like I’ll definitely be leaving. I have a couple of offers on the table. One from Kilmarnock and one from another SPL team. I’m just weighing things up and deciding what’s best for my family. I should make a decision some time this month.

“But I’m totally focussed on Airdrie now. I was pleased with the goals on Saturday but more importantly with the three points. It made up for the disappointing draw against Ayr in midweek.

“We know how difficult it is going to be to catch County. We’ve only an outside chance but football is a funny game and you never know what’s going to happen. We just have to make sure we’re ready to pounce if they do slip-up.

“We can’t afford any more defeats this season. We have to win at least eight out of the last nine matches.”

The 27-year-old striker won a third division championship at Hamilton when his playing career was in it’s infancy but that’s the only prize he has to show for his eight years in the game.

He has also had spells at St Mirren and Partick Thistle before heading south for a two-year period which saw him play for Mansfield, Macclesfield and Forrest Green.

He joined the Diamonds in the summer following a seven-month spell at Partick Thistle.

He has excelled at New Broomfield, scoring 19 times in all competitions, and is a certainty to win the club’s player of the year award.

And while he has done his bit for the club, he appreciates what the club have done for him.

He added: “I’ve loved it here. It’s the first time I’ve really stayed clear of injury. The manager has been brilliant for me and the fans have taken to me.

“I just hope we can give them something to shout about at the end of the season.”