That contract was increased to a short term deal as the August transfer window closed, but it wasn't till an injury to first choice keeper James Spencer on the even of our FA Cup tie at Southend that Russell was given the chance to make the first team jersey his own.

His arrival in the first team helped spark a huge improvement in form, especially in defence, and within a couple of appearances it was clear that Russell wasn't going to give his shirt up without a fight.

He attracted much praise for his shot stopping but perhaps unusually for a goalkeeper, it was his distribution that was much admired. Here we had a keeper who seemed to have one eye permanently looking out for our attackers, and he kickstarted many an attack. But make no mistake, this was no John Beck style long ball football, for Russell had the ability to pass the ball 60 yards plus rather than hoof it that far and hope for the best.

We had a goalkeeper with the feet of Le Tissier, and he was rightly rewarded with another new contract. But just when he looked settled in the side, injury struck and a thumb injury saw him miss the final few months of the season, including the trip to Wembley in the Play Offs.

After overcoming those injury problems in the Summer of 2008, things were looking very good for Sam. With the new contract under his belt, manager Keith Hill showed faith in the former Darlo keeper by switching Russell's squad number with that of fellow keeper James Spencer. An unusual move with any player, but with goalkeepers, this was a very public backing by giving Russell the number one jersey at the club.

The second season seemed to be going fine again for Russell, with a string of fine displays early in the season. However as the season moved, the lack of clean sheets kept by the club became a concern and questions were being asked.

Russell had been described as unlucky throughout the season, given the number of fantastic saves that he made only to see the rebound land at the feet of an opponent, but as this continued, questions were raised as to whether this was a coincidence or something more serious.

The team seemed unable to go a single game without conceding, and Russell can certainly count himself unfortunate to be the one cast aside in a bid to eradicate the number of goals we were letting in, and in January 2009, he lost his place in the first team to on loan Frank Fielding. Russell didn't play for Dale again after this.

Having been relegated to back up keeper during this time, and rumours of a return of a former goalkeeper to Spotland, it was no surprise to anyone that Russell was released at the end of the 2008-9 season.

Some will say that he did very little wrong during his time at the club, and most would probably agree that he was probably too good a keeper to remain at the club as mere back up. Either way, he leaves Spotland and will be warmly remembered for his time with the club. Summer replacements will dictate whether he will be missed or not.