Russell Anderson
Age: 28
Position: Central Defender
Current Club: Aberdeen
Nationality: Scottish

13 November 2006

Aberdeen have dismissed speculation linking captain Russell Anderson with a January move away from the club.

Anderson has been the Dons most consistent performer in recent seasons and has been linked with moves to Rangers and Aston Villa.

"Russell isn't going anywhere," said director of football Willie Miller.

"We haven't talked to anyone about selling or swapping Russell for another player. He is our captain and a vital part of our future plans."

The 28-year-old Anderson, in his testimonial year at Pittodrie, has been on the fringes of Walter Smith's Scotland side and has helped Aberdeen to joint second in the SPL.

"I've heard all the stories going about and can assure fans they are complete nonsense," Miller told the Aberdeen Evening Express.

"It's inevitable that sort of thing will happen when players are performing as well as Russell is for us at the moment.

"But we haven't received any official approaches for Russell and will be happy if things stay that way."

Indeed, Miller said that strengthening the Dons squad when the transfer window reopens, as opposed to weakening it, is the plan, with fringe players making way.

"I expect to see some movement at the turn of the year.

"Jimmy Calderwood has stated he wants to use every transfer window to strengthen certain areas of the squad.

"We have a restricted budget so it will be a case of juggling things about and moving players out to get new ones in.

"But Jimmy has shown that he is quite adept at wheeling and dealing and I'm sure he will manage to get what he wants." Source - BBC Sport

1 December 2006

Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson has admitted he would be interested in joining Celtic or Rangers.

The 28-year-old has been in superb form for The Dons this season, culminating in the November Player of the Month award.

Anderson has been linked to the Glasgow giants and the experienced central defender is not ruling out leaving Aberdeen for pastures new.

However, Anderson, who has 18 months left on his Pittodrie deal, has also hinted he might extend his deal after admitting he is enjoying his football at Aberdeen.

"It certainly does come into the equation to go on and better yourself and try a new challenge," Anderson told Sky Sports News.

"In saying that, the football at Aberdeen this year I've really enjoyed it."

Aberdeen director of football Willie Miller has reiterated the club's desire to retain Anderson by stating he is 'not for sale'.

"He isn't for sale. We don't want to sell him. That's what we've told everyone who has come to watch him," stated Miller.

"The difficult thing for me is to keep him here. He's on a longish term contract. We will be talking about his future once things settle down a bit." Source - Sky Sports