Grimsby Town have welcomed former Forest Green stopper Sam Russell to Blundell Park ahead of the 2018/2019 season.
The 35-year-old, who left the New Lawn in the summer, has been appointed as the new goalkeeping coach – and he will also be registered as a back-up option to James McKeown.
Russell came through the Youth ranks at Middlesbrough, but he didn’t make a first-team appearance for his hometown club.
During his time at the Riverside, he enjoyed loan spells with Darlington and Town’s neighbours Scunthorpe United, before making a permanent switch to the former in 2004.
He racked up close to 200 games across two spells with them, before spending time at the likes of Wrexham and Forest Green, where once again he enjoyed two spells.
Russell made 44 appearances for Forest Green during the 2016/2017 season, but he missed THAT non-league showpiece against the Mariners at Wembley.
He went on to win promotion a year later, though.
Speaking to the club website, Russell said: “I’ll still be registered as a player, but I’m coming in as the goalkeeper coach.
“I love playing, I don’t want to stop playing but I think it's a great time to integrate both together.”
Russell added: “I always enjoyed playing here (against Grimsby).
“The atmosphere and the fans here are great and I’ve actually had some really good games here as well.”
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