GARY RUSSELL has told how he turned down rival EIHL clubs to pursue his title dream at Braehead Clan.

The Glaswegian goalie was unveiled on Thursday as Clan’s latest signing for the new campaign after becoming an unlikely hero during his first year in purple.

Brought in from Solway Sharks as back-up to former NHL goalkeeper Chris Holt, Russell was thrown into Ryan Finnerty’s squad at the turn of the year and quickly endeared himself to the Purple Army with a handful of outstanding performances.

Understandably other organisations around the UK also caught notice but, speaking to SportTimes, Russell explained why the only way is Braehead.

“I’m very pleased to be back and get a deal sorted with the club,” he said.

“I had a lot of offers on the table so I had to look at my options and assess what I wanted to do. Eventually I made the decision to with Braehead and I’m delighted.

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“I could have stayed in the league or go down again. There were options but Clan being in my hometown and with the group we have I knew it was the right decision to stay.

“Our fans are crazy. You can’t ask for much more with the way they support the team on and off the ice.

“They took to me very well because I’m from Glasgow and I did well. I don’t think they expected it.

“It was great the way they supported me and I’m looking forward to giving more back to them next season.”

Russell was a rarity in the Braehead set up last season in that the professional ice hockey player also had a job away from the ice.

The full-time policeman did well to juggle life in the force with some heroic showings in the Clan goal, including a stunning display in Belfast back in December that earned him the EIHL Player of the Week award and his team two valuable points.

Glasgow Times: Braehead Clan's crowds have soared in recent years with families. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com)

Currently Russell, fondly referred to as Rusty, is the only goalie on the Braehead books as head coach FInnerty’s recruitment drive continues.

It’s likely that an import keeper will be brought in, but the 26-year-old Scot is not ready to make demands over who should be No.1 choice when the season starts in August.

“The main thing is to progress myself and become a better goalie,” he said.

“If that means I’ll be starting or get anywhere near it, that’s up to myself. If I look at it that I need to start or do this or that, you put pressure on yourself.

“I just need to be the best I can be and go from there.

“You can see that in the way they recruit. They will be up near the top of the league and I want to be challenging with them.

“It’s not the main thing to see your friends return but it does play a part as well. It’s another part of the puzzle.”

Pictures courtesy of Al Goold Photo.