DAREL RUSSELL made 244 appearances for Norwich over 2 spells, scoring 16 goals along the way. He also enjoyed a successful 4 year spell at Stoke City, helping the Canaries get promotion from afar as he scored in Stoke’s 4-1 win over West Brom, handing Norwich the old Division 1 title. He eventually returned to Norwich and played a big part in helping them return to the Championship, before a spell at Preston. He is now on loan at League 1 leaders Charlton, and today takes some time to speak to us…

THE INTERVIEW…

Q: What was it like coming through the youth ranks at Norwich?

A: “It was an enjoyable and a big learning process for me. One which I loved.”

Q: Obviously not everyone at youth level makes it, what do you feel you have to have about you in order to make it from youth ranks to senior level?

A: “You need to be able to listen to what you are being taught and you need dedication to achieve your goals. A little luck is also very helpful.”

Q: What was it like making your debut for Norwich?

A: “It was exciting time for me I was not nervous about playing I was anxious if I would be picked to actually play.”

Q: Did you look up to anyone in the squad? Did you have a mentor of sorts?

A: “I looked up to all the senior pros if I had to single someone out it would be Mike Milligan as I cleaned his boots and he was also a midfielder like me.”

Q: Why did you choose to make the move to Stoke?

A: “I was finding it hard to break in to the team and play as many games as I had done earlier in my career, so I felt I needed a change to try and progress again instead of standing still.”

Q: What kind of a place was the Britannia to play your football?

A: “It was similar to Norwich perhaps the crowd are a little more hostile, but very similar clubs with lots of passion for their teams.”

Q: When playing at Stoke, what was your greatest memory?

A: “My final season as it was a successful one. Also playing for 4 years and missing only a handful of games in that time.”

Q: Was it easy to make the choice to rejoin Norwich?

A: “Yes it was, I knew the club and facilities and it’s all top notch.”

Q: What had changed when you went back to Carrow Road?

A: “The only things that had changed was the personnel and the new stand.”

Q: Obviously you were one of the few that kept fighting for us during some dark seasons, how was it being a player we were struggling time after time?

A: “Tough but the challenges make you stronger and you learn from them.”

Q: A lot of us fans were frustrated with the influx of loanees, how was it playing with them? Did they care as much, as some of us fans questioned?

A: “Not all loanees are the same but did have some that didn’t have the same passion as contracted players to get the result which is a tough thing to deal with.”

Q: How did Paul Lambert change things when he entered the club?

A: “He instilled confidence and organisation which had been lacking.”

Q: What kind of a season was the League 1 winning campaign?

A: “I think it speaks for itself winners medal and trophy at the end of the season what more do you want.”

Q: You’re now at Charlton, how are things going there for you?

A: “They are going really well enjoying my time hear presently.”

Q: Throughout your career so far, what are you most proud of?

A: “My league winners medal and always giving my all and my honesty.”

Q: What do you make of Norwich back in the Premiership? How do you think they’re doing?

A: “They are where they should be and doing fantastic no surprise to me though!”

Q: What will you be looking to do when you eventually hang up your boots?

A: “I’m still playing so not a worry for me yet.”

Q: Who has been your favourite player to play with in midfield?

A: “Salif Diao at Stoke. We had a perfect partnership.”

Q: Of all the goals you scored, which would you rank as your favourite?

A: “My double against Bolton was special for me.”

Q: Finally, what would you like to say to Norwich fans on your time there?

A: “Thanks for the support you have shown me and hopefully I did the colours of Norwich proud for you all. Love Rusty!”

Many thanks to Darel for taking the time to speak to us, here’s to wishing him all the best for the promotion run-in at Charlton Athletic.

In: Cory Varney Thread By: Supermarket Prodigy [391 ] Posted: 111 days ago