Russell was born in
Shirley, West Midlands. As a junior, he played for
Knowle North Star before joining
Birmingham City as a
YTS trainee in 1984. He turned professional two years later. He made one
substitute appearance in the following season in the
First Division, and spent the latter part of the
1987–88 season on loan at
Carlisle United, where his two goals from 12 games failed to prevent the club's
relegation from the
Third Division. In April 1999, by which time he had 135 goals from 430 appearances in all competitions, he was awarded a testimonial match between a Birmingham City All-Stars team and their
Middlesbrough counterparts. Manager Bob Faulkner later described him as "one of the Moor Green greats". In 2000 Russell joined
Solihull Borough as a player, later becoming assistant manager and in March 2004 taking over as manager. After nearly a year in post, Russell resigned, citing the time commitment and the frustration involved in managing a club unable to compete financially. ==References==