It's never fun to say goodbye to a player who has been an able and willing servant for the club. It's even harder when he played a vital, vital role in the club's biggest achievement to date.
But say goodbye we shall: Robbie Russell, thank you for the memories. I hope your time in D.C. is lovely, and I hope you don't score against us or make a killer cross against us. Any other time is fine.
If just for that final spot kick in 2009 — the one that gave us our first trophy of the many still to come — Robbie is a club legend.
When it's said and done, he's a 32-year-old defender who's been hit by injuries this season. If United play a less mobile system — ours is quite the opposite of immobile, especially with our fullbacks — perhaps he'll reignite a hot streak.
The move also means we've freed up a considerable chunk of salary room — $128k in base salary — and will undoubtedly be freeing up more. It also remains to see if we re-sign our back-up left back Blake Wagner, but I've got a hunch that we don't. At times when we needed a left back, we had him, but we played other players out of position instead. That speaks volumes about his selection. Perhaps I could be surprised. I definitely wouldn't mind that.
But let's not focus only on the positives yet. We've lost a veteran defender, a club legend, and a genuinely nice guy. Oh — and let's not forget — he's also a man who can grow a magnificent beard.
So, you'll be missed, Robbie. Thanks for the memories, and good luck!
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