Liverpool-born, but growing up in South Devon, Russell Musker played a handful of games for Exeter City in 1983 when on loan from Bristol City. He later became better-known for his time at Gillingham, his two spells with Torquay United and for his tenure as a highly-successful manager with Taunton Town. 

Russell began his career as an apprentice at Bristol City and, after signing a full contract in August 1979, went on to feature in 46 league games for the Ashton Gate club scoring one goal.

Apparently not having a future with the Robins, Russell moved to Exeter City on loan in October 1983 - during Gerry Francis’s early days as manager - and played the first of his six games for the club in a 3-0 win at Southend United on 15 October 1983. This proved to be the only win of Russell’s stay at St James’ Park and, after featuring against Port Vale on 5 November, he returned to Bristol City and immediately signed for Gillingham. 

Making just over sixty league appearances in Kent, Russell was back on familiar territory when he joined Torquay United in August 1986 for whom he was to make 45 league appearances over two seasons as the Plainmoor club moved from near-relegation in 1987 ro just missing promotion in 1988. Becoming the club’s assistant-manager for a while, Russell then played for Dawlish Town before resuming his Torquay United playing career when making a further 21 league appearances in 1990/91. 

Briefly playing for Walsall, Russell soon returned to live in South Devon from where he appeared for Gloucester City, Saltash United and Taunton Town prior to his appointment as the Somerset club's manager in  November 1994. Winning the the Western League 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001, Russell also took Taunton to the FA Vase in 2001 and promotion to the Southern League in 2002. After leaving the club at the end of the 2004/05 season he largely managed teams in the South Devon area including - at various times - Totnes & Dartington, Bovey Tracey, Stoke Gabriel and Galmpton United.