Montpellier striker Brandon Russell has revealed a dilemma he could face if Pelli’s first team and reserve team are drawn against each other in the Cheltenham Town Cup.
Russell has featured for both Montpellier’s first and second teams this campaign, which could lead to a problem if the two sides are drawn against eachother in the cup.
As it stands, both have booked a place in the quarter-finals, and there is a strong possibility that they could eventually play each other in the final at Whaddon Road in May.
Montpellier’s first team and reserve team
“I’m not sure how that would work, to be honest,” Russell said. “I’m sure everyone will want to be in the first team squad in that situation to give them an advantage, even if they are just sitting on the bench!”
Russell has featured nine times for the reserves this season, with five goals and nine assists to his name. They currently sit top of the Cheltenham Association Football League Division 2; six points clear of Bredon Reserves.
The 23-year-old has also represented the first team on five occasions who, like the Reserves, are in firm control of their division.
The first team boast a 100% record after 11 matches in the CAFL Division 1 and have three games in hand on second-placed Cheltenham United.
“It’s a little strange that I and a couple of other lads could essentially win two league medals this season, but I’m not complaining!” He continued.
“In a way, it adds further motivation. But I think the fact that the two teams are so closely tied is only helping us. There is no divide in terms of reserve players wanting the firsts not to win and vice versa.
“Hopefully, I can end the season with three medals!”
Russell joined Pelli at the start of last season and immediately noticed the step up in both on-the-pitch quality and several culture changes compared to his ex-club, Pittville United.
“I’ve played for a lot of teams where the firsts and the reserves might as well be completely different clubs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth at Montpellier.
“A few other players have played across the teams when needed to make sure we are all in the best position to win the game on the day.”
While both sides are currently in controlling positions, Russell recognised that there is a long way to go and gave his view on the main threats to both teams.
“Bredon and Worcester are both good sides in the reserves’ league, Worcester put us out of the cup and Bredon gave us a good game at the start of the year. I think we’ll have to be near perfect to make sure we can keep them at arm’s length in the league.
“As for the first team, our biggest challenge will likely come in one of the cup competitions, who that’ll be against we don’t know yet, but the league is looking more and more comfortable each week.”
