Forward reflects on maiden season with the Rams.
Johnny Russell says his first season at Derby County provided him with ‘the best time of his career’.The frontman was a key part of the Rams’ squad that achieved a club records point total.
Derby finished third in the Sky Bet Championship and came within a win of achieving promotion to the Premier League, after losing 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers in the Play-Off Final.
Russell says Derby’s achievements, as well as their much talked about team spirit, have provided him with many moments to savour.
He scored nine goals during the season, including the Rams’ ‘Goal of the Season’ with a thunderbolt in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in March.
Russell told dcfc.co.uk:“To be part of what we have done this season and the journey we have been on - I have to say it is the best time of my career.
“I am sad we didn't have a promotion to cap it all off, but I think that hurt we suffered at Wembley will really drive the squad on next season.
“We have to look towards next season and ensure that we’re a side gunning for promotion again.
“We have achieved a lot as a squad and we can look back with huge pride on the season.
“We want to make amends next season and we will be raring to go at the start of pre-season and even more so once the campaign starts properly.”
He added: “There are so many good things about Derby County and I am sure the manager will strengthen us moving forwards.”
Although the dramatic and late loss against Queens Park Rangers was a crushing blow to everyone associated with the Club, Russell believes that moment could be ‘the making’ of the Derby side.
He said: “To lose how we did was cruel, especially after dominating the whole game.
“I think the picture of us standing on the pitch watching Queens Park Rangers lift the trophy will drive us on.
“It is certainly the last time I want an opposing team doing that while I am on the pitch.
“We have a great team spirit and I know you will see that next season. We know what we are capable of as a team and we showed that.
“I look at the league for next season and I don’t fear anyone at all and nor do the lads.
“We know, on our day, we can beat anyone and there is only so long you can look back on this season.”
Russell admits that two spells on the sidelines with bone fractures did provide a frustrating side to his campaign.
He sustained a broken leg in October and then a fractured cheekbone in January but returned quickly on both occasions.
He said: “We all know my season has been frustrating with injuries but I think I proved towards the end of the season that they didn't affect me.
“I got back in the team towards the end and that was pleasing, especially going into the summer.”
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