Alex Russell - Cheltenham

Cheltenham's 4-0 defeat at Oldham was a disappointing result for the Robins but Keith Downing's men have the chance to get that game out of their system when they host Premiership newboys Stoke City in the Carling Cup tonight. Cheltenham have taken just three points from their opening three League One fixtures so far but, with three home games to come in quick succession, Downing will be hoping his side can recapture the winning habit. Givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke exclusively to experienced midfielder Alex Russell, who arrived at Whaddon Road from Bristol City on a free transfer this summer.

Q: YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULT AT OLDHAM?

A: It was just one of those games where very little went right for us. They got their goals at important times but we were disappointed to lose by the scoreline we did. But credit to them they played well and their strikers were a real handful, but we fell apart a little bit once the second goal went in.

Q: THREE POINTS FROM THE FIRST THREE GAMES WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN THE START YOU WERE HOPING FOR?

A: We were disappointed to lose 4-2 at Northampton on the opening day of the season, especially having taken the lead, and also one of the penalties they got in that game was very harsh. But we then bounced back with wins against Southend and Swindon and now we’ve got to try and take advantage of the home matches we’ve got coming up.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUHTS AHEAD OF TONIGHT'S TIE AGAINST STOKE CITY?

A: It should be a cracking game. They are obviously on a high after beating Aston Villa at the weekend so we know it's going to be a tough match. They are a big, strong physical side so we have to stand up to them and not allow them to bully us around.

Q: HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN AT CHELTENHAM?

A: It was made a lot easier because I came to the club for a loan spell at the end of last season so I got to know most of the players. Also, two or three of my former Bristol City team-mates are at the club so it’s has not been a problem at all.

Q: WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO LEAVE BRISTOL CITY?

A: I was very disappointed because I'd waited all my career to have a crack at Championship-level football but it wasn't to be. I only started two games last season having being involved in most of the matches in the club's promotion season the year before – so yes it was frustrating. But I wish the club all the best because last season was a fantastic year for them even thought it was a difficult one for me on a personal level.

Q: HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR CLUBS LIKE CHELTENHAM TO COMPETE WITH THE FINANCIAL CLOUT OF SIDES LIKE LEEDS AND LEICESTER?

A: Off the field it is tough because there is obviously a massive disparity in terms of spending power. But there are no guarantees in football and we feel we can compete on the pitch even if things are a lot different off it. A side can go a long way on the back of togetherness and sticking together, and that’s what we intend to do. Nobody gave Bristol City a hope of winning promotion last season but they came within one game of winning the play-off final and on another day they could have been playing in the Premiership right now. I think sometimes too much is made of money.