Cheltenham are certainly enjoying a fine start to 2008, with back-to-back victories against Bournemouth and Hartlepool lifting the Gloucestershire outfit out of the League One drop-zone. Their improved recent form has coincided with the loan signings of Bristol City pair Alex Russell and Steve Brooker, who have arrived at Whaddon Road on short-term deals in search of more regular first team football. Both players played their part in the impressive 2-0 victory at Victoria Park, with Russell influential in midfield and Brooker leading the attack alongside two-goal hero Steven Gillespie. Givemefootball's Mark Shail logged the thoughts of 34-year-old Russell as Cheltenham look to continue their upturn in from.
Q:
YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH YOUR FIRST TWO GAMES AT CHELTENHAM?
A:
It's been a great start and we've got some momentum going, which builds confidence. You could see that in our passing at Hartlepool and we were opening them up almost every time we went forward. We had so many chances in the first half, we should have been three or four goals up really, but we have to build on this now and start looking up the table.
Q:
I SUPPOSE YOU SIGNED FOR CHELTENHAM IN SEARCH OF SOME REGULAR PLAYING TIME?
A:
I went to see the gaffer (Bristol City manager, Gary Johnson) and he said there had been a couple of clubs that wanted to take me on loan. He mentioned at the time that Brooksy was possibly coming to Cheltenham so he thought it might be a good idea for the two of us to get some games. Brooksy obviously needs to get fit after his injury but I'm keen to play as much as I can.
Q:
YOU SEEM TO HAVE STRUCK OF A GOOD UNDERSTANDING WITH STRIKER STEVEN GILLESPIE, WHO SCORED A BRACE AGAINST HARTLEPOOL?
A:
Gilly is always going to get chances with his pace and I try to play him in if I can get my head up. We have pace in wide positions and Gilly and Brooksy are always a threat up front. The lads at the back have been throwing their bodies in front of everything as well - sticking together is the key.
Q:
YOU MUST BE HOPEFUL THAT CHELTENHAM CAN CLIMB CLEAR OF DANGER?
A:
Yes, at Bristol City a couple of years ago we were bottom at Christmas, but we only ended up a couple of points off the play-offs, so we have to aim high and be as positive as possible.
Q:
ARE YOU LOOKING TO EXTEND YOUR STAY AT CHELTENHAM?
A:
I want to play some games and at the end of the day I'm quite open to anything. I'm neither here nor there at Bristol City so I'd like to do as well as I can here for the manager (Keith Downing), the supporters and myself. It's really all about playing and if I can keep playing I don't see why I shouldn't want to stay for longer.
Q:
THERE SEEMS TO BE STIFF COMPETITION FOR PLACES AT BRISTOL CITY THIS SEASON?
A:
We got promoted with a good squad and then we added seven or eight players. Only one or two have left so the squad has gone up in terms of numbers and the quality is there. At times our reserve team could compete in League One, so that's why chances are limited at the moment, especially with them doing so well.
