Rooster's pride at testimonial
02 August 2005
By RICHARD WILLIAMS
| KEVIN RUSSELL today said he
was honoured to have been given a testimonial. Russell, assistant manager to Denis Smith, has been rewarded for his services at Wrexham - where he became a fans' favourite during two spells as a player — with a testimonial against a Manchester United XI tonight at The Racecourse (kick-off 7.45). The 38-year-old, born in Portsmouth, has made Wrexham his home and is looking forward to his big night, with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson likely to include some big names in his squad. "I treat myself as a local lad so it is very special to have been awarded a testimonial," Russell said today. "I have had a great reaction from friends, fans and people in the town. "I would like to say thank you to the committee and the fans for giving me this. It's nice to be thought of in this way and it should be a great occasion. A lot of people are coming from the south to share it with me, as well as the fans who are here every week. "The supporters have been fantastic, have really made me feel welcome in the town. It is an honest, working class town. If you treat them right, they treat you right - that's the biggest compliment I can give them. BIGGEST "I can't wait for tonight. We began pre-season by playing European Champions Liverpool and end it by facing probably the biggest club in the world. "The performances have got better and better in pre-season with some decent results, and tonight should be another good test for us and United." Russell has been assistant to Smith since he took over as manager from Brian Flynn in October 2001 and the pair both admit that they clicked immediately. The move into management meant Russell soon hung up his boots - but he has no plans to take the next step. "I have really enjoyed being Denis' assistant at Wrexham," said Russell. "I was not sure of the situation at first. I knew Denis had a good reputation, and was vastly experienced, but I did not know him well. "The first couple of months we got to know each other and just clicked. I have learnt so much from him, such as how he juggles his finances and deals with the press. And his knowledge behind the scenes is unbelievable. "I have found my niche being assistant. I like the coaching, can still be one of the lads, and am like the go-between- the players and the manager. "If you are a manager, you have to pull away from that. That may change in time, but I am happy where I am." And Smith admits he is happy with the way the partnership has turned out - though he could have had a different assistant. "I only knew Kev as a player - I never tried to sign him - and about his good reputation as a pro when I came to Wrexham, but I actually offered it to Joey Jones at first but he did not want it," Smith said today. "Some jobs you bring assistants with you, they are trustworthy and you know them, but that wasn't the case when I came to Wrexham. Fortunately, Brian Flynn had a good group of staff working for him, I found out who had their coaching badges and a sense of humour, and Kev became assistant. "His character is superb and has been outstanding. He deserves this." However, Smith will not have Russell alongside him in the dug-out tonight at the start of the match - because Rooster is playing. But Smith has yet to decide where the former striker will line-up. "I think I'll give him the first ten minutes," added Smith. "I'll put him in somewhere where he won't show himself up!" |
It's nice to be thought of in this way and it should be a great occasion
Kevin Russell |
