Tampa Bay signs former Toronto FC midfielder Darel Russell

Tampa Bay has come to an agreement with midfielder Darel Russell, agreeing to a deal that will cover the 2014 season with a club option for 2015. Russell spent the majority of his career in England, spending most of his career with Norwich City. He's also been with Stoke City, Charlton Athletic, and Preston North End before joining Toronto FC in 2013.

Russell earned mixed reviews from Toronto fans last season, but should be a very good signing for an NASL squad in need of both depth and quality. Rowdies General Manager Perry Van Der Beck seems excited about the move, and had the following to say:

"Darel brings a wealth of impressive experience. Throughout his career, he’s developed a reputation for his hard work ethic and leadership. Darel is an exceptional box-to-box midfielder who has the ability to get forward and score goals. I look forward to seeing how he will compliment our midfield."

Tampa really struggled with midfield control against the Cosmos last season, so a player like Russell could go a long way toward making the Rowdies a bit more competitive against the defending champs.