Johnny Russell is back where it all started with Dundee United
Published March 5, 2026 • Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4g55ng451wo
By Tyrone Smith BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Johnny Russell admits he had given no thought to leaving his life in America until former club Dundee United came calling, explaining it was "maybe the only place that would have brought me back".
After eight years playing in the MLS with Sporting Kansas City and latterly Real Salt Lake, the 35-year-old striker, capped 14 times for Scotland, has returned to Tannadice on a deal until the end of the season.
"To be honest I had no interest in coming back, no intentions to come back, I was happy out there," said Russell.
"My life was there but there was just something about coming back here just felt right. I feel like this is maybe the only place that would have brought me back and we will see what happens if it goes well."
Russell began his career at United, making his debut in 2007, going on to score 46 goals in 120 games before a move to Derby County.
He made a late cameo in Tuesday's 2-1 win over St Mirren, having last played in October.
"I wouldn't have come back if I didn't feel I have something to offer or if I felt my legs were going," added Russell.
"I don't want to come back and sour the reptation that I have had. I know people will be going 'look at the age of him, he is just here to chill out', I am not about that.
"Maybe you don't quite have certain aspects of your game that you had before but I feel like I am a more all-round player.
"When I was here the first time I probably relied on speed, whereas I feel like I have fully adapted my game. I still feel like I am quick, I feel powerful, I don't feel like my legs are going and I feel like I am a more mature and intelligent player.
"I don't really feel like I have got a point to prove but you still want to show people you can still cut it with the younger guys. I have still got the same desire and fire."
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Russell will be hoping for more minutes when United visit Falkirk in the Scottish Cup on Friday.
While on the books at Tannadice, he did not feature in the club's last cup triumph in 2010 because he was on loan to Raith Rovers.
"You are obviously disappointed yourself that you don't fully feel a part of it but to get to see all your team-mates, all your friends be a part of that and get to celebrate and the fans celebrate it as well, that is probably the most special memory," Russell said of his first stint.
"You just get caught up in the whole atmosphere. It was incredible."
With a semi-final place at stake on Friday, Russell added: "You are only a few games away from possibly lifting silverware but it is still a long road. You can't look past Falkirk, who have been one of the better sides this season.
"We know how difficult it is going to be but we went there recently and got a result, we have to have that belief.
"For me, to get to the national stadium is a big ambition, it is a big drive. We are one game away and in one-off games, who knows what can happen? That is the dream, you want to get yourself back there and give yourself an opportunity to be fighting for another trophy."