Russian Premier League

Russia’s old dogs won’t perform new tricks

27 April 2012 | James Appell

There are many good reasons to make a managerial appointment. CSKA and Spartak should realise that nostalgia isn't one of them.

Misimovic fires at just the right time

13 April 2012 | James Appell

After a frustrating time since winning the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg in 2009, Zvjezdan Misimovic is finally finding success at Dinamo Moscow.

McGeady’s honeymoon period over

30 March 2012 | James Appell

When Aiden McGeady joined Spartak Moscow 18 months ago he was hailed as exactly the type of intelligent footballer Spartak were crying out for. Now, though, the tide has turned...

A fistful of dollars – inside Anzhi’s rise

28 March 2012 | Davidde Corran

In just over 12 months Anzhi Mackhachkala have gone from being mostly unknown outside of Russia to the verge of Champions League football...

Samba race row rumbles on

23 March 2012 | James Appell

Christopher Samba is the latest player to be the victim of racism in Russia and the fallout has been complicated...

Champagne moment for drink-driver Ionov

16 March 2012 | James Appell

A player scoring against his old club is not quite the poignant occurrence it once was. Sometimes, though, you can't avoid rolling out the cliches about 'old stomping grounds'.

Anzhi’s Guus chase is over

20 February 2012 | James Appell

The groans were almost audible as Guus Hiddink broke Chelsea fans' hearts, opting to take over at Anzhi Makhachkala, rather than riding into Stamford Bridge on his white horse...