Whilst on the books of Norwich City as a schoolboy, Russell captained the England Schools Under 18 sides. However he was unable to establish himself at Carrow Road and joined amateur side Grays Athletic in the summer of 1995. After making 29 appearances for the Rymans Division One side in 1997/98 scoring once, Russell joined Rymans League Premier Division side Enfield in June 1998. Russell left Enfield in the summer of 1999 and signed for rivals Billericay Town, then managed by ex-Es boss Gary Calder. He was released by Billericay in November 2003 but quickly found a new home with East Thurrock United. In August 2004, he joined Chelmsford City on a non-contract basis but switched to Enfield Town during the 2004/5 season. He joined Welling United in early February 2007.

Russell has also played for the English Universities side.