LISTEN: Sean Russell on the transition from playing to coaching at the age of 27

TREATY United women’s team coach Sean Russell spoke to Ronan Calvert this morning about his transition from playing to coaching following his early retirement from League of Ireland football at the end of 2019.

The 27 year-old had two stints at Limerick FC and enjoyed success in 2016 under the management of his father Martin as Limerick FC won the First Division title and reached the final of the EA Sports Cup.

Unfortunately things turned sour for the midfielder in 2019 when he injured himself against Athlone Town while playing for the Super Blues on an amateur contract. It transpired that Russell had torn his cruciate ligament and the club were unwilling to support his operation and recovery, leaving the Dubliner needing to start his own fundraiser.

Listen below as Sean speaks about linking up with Treaty United, coaching Limerick FC’s U13s, his year with Aisling Annacotty and the now infamous mistreatment of his welfare by Limerick FC and the FAI.

Russell went on to say “It’s two years on now. I’m probably back running at a stage where I’m comfortable twisting and turning. Whether the knee is ready for any impact or anything like that – I don’ think so. I’m back exercising and I think it was almost a year and a half before I jogged again. That was a huge step for me.

“I’m still working with the same physio Barry Heffernan and full credit to him, he’s really helped me out. Especially in times likes these, being able to go out for a jog in the mornings or being able to hit a ball against a wall can be a huge stress reliever. I’m not back to the level where I’d be able to play matches but I’m definitely back to a stage where I can keep active which is hugely important”.

Asked whether he had seen any signs of change from the FAI to prevent other players being left in similarly unacceptable situations in the future, Russell wasn’t so optimistic.

“Not really to be perfectly honest. I raised the issue as much as I could. I spoke to members of the FAI about it. I spoke about the area that I fell into the trap of regarding insurance with clubs. I wasn’t insured on the pitch, I wasn’t made aware that I wasn’t and as far as I know, someone else could be in that situation when they go back.

“I don’t think it has been addressed. I’ve done everything I can so far to raise the issue and I will probably still pursue it. It’s something that needs to be looked at. In the League of Ireland in particular a lot of players give up a lot of time and effort and when you go through an experience like that you expect a little bit of support back.

“Especially in my own situation, it was my third year with the club. I had put a lot of time and effort towards it and to be left aside like that wasn’t nice but if I can change that rule or whatever it was with the FAI, address it and nobody else falls victim of it, then it will certainly make my landing that bit softer”.

Make sure to check out Martin and Sean Russell’s Newlevelfootball.com

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