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Antwan Russell is determined to follow in the footsteps of former coach and friend Kyle Lightbourne by carving out a successful career in English football – and pave the way for other Bermudian players to follow him to Ilkeston FC in the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division.
The striker is the first of what could be a steady flow of trialists from the Caribbean island after we have finalized an exciting partnership with club side Bermuda Hogges that will also see youngsters come over to take part in an extended Academy programme.
For Russell, though, the aims are more short-term, with his immediate target to win a first team place at the New Manor Ground and his second to win a contract.
The Bermuda international has initially joined for the closing weeks of the season and has already made his mark with an equalizing goal coming off the bench against league leaders North Ferriby.
He will hope for more success tomorrow night in his bid to emulate Lightbourne’s career path – the popular frontman scored 65 goals in 165 games for Walsall – when we make the trip up into the Peaks to take on Buxton.
“The way that the lads have been has helped me settle in really easily and I was delighted to get off the mark in only my second game,” said Russell. “I always say that the first goal for the club is the hardest, so now that’s out of the way I hope that there will be quite a few more to come.
“I was pretty pleased with the goal. I turned and saw there was just one man to beat so I thought I’d give it a go and luckily it came off. The standard of play here is quite high compared to back home and it is definitely more physical, but that is the way I like it – I never shy away from that side of the game.
“I’d love to start a game before too long and hopefully I can make an impact for Ilkeston FC. I would definitely be open to signing here, but I know I have to impress the manager first.”
Russell has already tried his luck abroad both with US club Chicago Fire and Canadian side Toronto before coming to the UK. In the Bermudan Premier Division, the 26-year-old has also played for the likes of PHC Zebras, Dandy Town, Somerset Eagles and, most recently, Robin Hood.
The player flew over with Lightbourne, who is doing some coaching for Walsall - the club where he formed a formidable partnership with Robins manager Kevin Wilson.
Russell said: “It does help to know that someone you respect like Kyle has done it before you and he has given ne some good advice about how to cope with coming over. It’s not easy because it is a different culture and climate, but he is supporting me well and it’s great to have him in my corner.”
With a Derbyshire Senior Cup final to come against Matlock, Russell is envisaging an exciting end to the season, but he knows it will not be easy to get a start. There are some good players in the squad but I knew that when I came in. I think having that competition there brings out the best in you,” he said.
“I would like to think I have something to offer and it’s all about showing that in the remaining games and seeing how it goes from there. I hope the partnership with Ilkeston FC and the Bermuda Hogges works out. I think it will be mutually beneficial.”
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