Russell was on trial at Exeter in February 1986 from Shefiield United.
He played on the 15th February 1986 in a friendly against Watford at St James Park, arranged to beat the frost that had called off a number of games.

Russell was born in Dumfries in Scotland on the 29th July 1960, playing locally for Gretna he moved to Sheffield United, where he played 14 games between 1984 and 1986, he played and scored in one game for Dundee United, whilst on loan.
After his trial at Exeter he joined Halifax Town, where he made 72 apperances scoring 14 times, leaving Halifax in 1988.

PF