Russell Moves to Bristol City

United playmaker Alex Russell has kept his promise of staying in League One football next season by joining West Country rivals Bristol City on a Bosman.

Russell who was signed for the club in the summer of 2001, by former manager Roy McFarland on the back of the ITV Digital deal, has proved to be one of the best midfielders to grace Plainmoor over the last three decades and his transfer will be a terrible loss to the club.

Russell made 163 appearances for the Gulls, scoring 21 goals in the process, but goals were not his forte. Russell could control games from the middle of the park and during United's promotion season in 2004 he linked up well with top scorer David Graham. He gave United options when attacking and will be difficult to replace.

While at United, Russell was voted into the PFA Team of the year by his fellow professionals, which is as high an accolade as a player can receive at this level.

Gulls Mad offer Alex a big thank you for the memories you have left us with and hope you are every bit as successful with Bristol City as you were with us.