Rowdies Sign Former Norwich and Stoke City Midfielder Darel Russell

ST. PETERSBURG – The Rowdies recently announced that the club has signed midfielder Darel Russell to a two-year contract, with the second year being a club option.

Russell (5’10, 163) joins the Rowdies after spending the 2013 season with MLS’ Toronto FC. The 33-year-old made 18 appearances for the Canadian side including 10 starts and three goals.

“Darel brings a wealth of impressive experience,” commented Rowdies general manager Perry Van Der Beck. “Throughout his career, he’s developed a reputation for his hard work ethic and leadership. Darel is an exceptional box-to-box midfielder who has the ability to get forward and score goals.  I look forward to seeing how he will compliment our midfield.”

Russell has played for several English clubs including Norwich City, Stoke City, Charlton Athletic, and Preston North End. He had a successful loan spell with Charlton Athletic where he helped the London team win the League One Championship in 2011-12.

The versatile midfielder has enjoyed two different stints with Norwich City from 1997-03 and 2007-10. During his time at The Canaries, Russell amassed 274 appearances during nine seasons including a League One Championship in the 2009-10 season. In between his two Norwich City tenures, Russell played for Stoke City where he made 182 appearances in four seasons.  

For more information or to order 2014 season tickets, including the new Midfielder’s Premium Club Memberships, fans can e-mail tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or call (877) ROWDIES. For season ticket prices and a seating chart for Al Lang Stadium click here.