Born in Mile End, Russell began his career as a youth player at Norwich City making his debut on the last day of the 1997–98 season in a 1–0 victory against Reading.[2] He made 13 appearances in 1998–99 before establishing himself in the first team in 1999–2000.[2] In April 2000, Norwich manager Bruce Rioch was replaced by Bryan Hamilton whose old school style of management made it a tough environment for Russell to develop.[3] Hamilton was sacked in December 2000 with the side in relegation trouble, he was replaced by Nigel Worthington who guided them to a safe position of 15th with Russell making 47 appearances in 2000–01.[4] At the end of the season Russell was linked with a move to East Anglia rivals Ipswich Town.[5] He made 26 appearances in 2001–02 as Norwich reached the 2002 Football League First Division play-off final where they lost on penalties to Birmingham City.[6] Russell missed two months of the 2002–03 campaign after breaking a bone in his foot.[7] In June 2003 Russell rejected a new contract offer from Norwich.[8]
Stoke City
Russell joined Stoke in 2003 for a fee of £125,000 in August 2003.[9] He made his Stoke debut on 9 August 2003 in a 3–0 win away at Derby County.[10] Russell scored twice in a 3–1 win against Sunderland on 16 September 2003.[11] Russell was an ever-present under Tony Pulis in 2003–04 playing 50 times as the team finished in 11th position.[12] He scored on the opening day of the 2004–05 season in a 2–1 win over promotion favorites Wolverhampton Wanderers.[13] Russell missed only one match in 2004–05 as Stoke were unable to mount a promotion challenge finishing in 12th.[14] He made 39 appearances in 2005–06 as Stoke finished in 13th place under Dutch manager Johan Boskamp.[15] Pulis returned to the club in 2006–07 and several new signings enabled them to push for a play-off spot. Russell won the Championship player of the month award for November 2006.[16] Russell scored a career best of seven goals in 2006–07 as Stoke narrowly missed out on a play-off place by two points.[17]
Return to Norwich
On 30 July 2007, Russell rejoined the Canaries for an undisclosed fee (reported to be around the £410,000 marked down from £600,000 due to a 30% sell-on clause the canaries had in the deal taking Russell to Stoke in 2003), on a three-year contract.[18] Russell played 44 times in 2007–08 as the Canaries finished in 17th spot.[19] Under the management of Glenn Roeder in 2008–09, Russell was played out of position as a forward which did not go down well with Norwich supporters.[20] Roeder was sacked in January 2009 and replaced by Bryan Gunn but he was unable to prevent Norwich being relegated to League One.[21]
In the summer of 2009 Norwich rejected a bid of £500,000 from Premier League newcomers Burnley.[22] He remained at Carrow Road and helped the side gain an instant return to the Championship in 2009–10 winning the League One title with a club record 95 points.[23] On 1 July 2010, it was confirmed that Russell had rejected the offer from Norwich of a new contract, and he was released.[24]
Preston North End
Russell signed for Preston North End on a three-year deal on 4 August 2010.[25] He scored his first and what turned out to be only goal for Preston in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic on 13 September 2011.[26] His time at Deepdale was unsuccessful as Preston were relegated to League One in 2010–11.[27] He was transfer listed by the club in May 2012.[28]
Charlton Athletic (loan)
On 24 November 2011 Russell signed on loan for League One rivals Charlton Athletic until January 2012.[29] On 7 January 2012 this loan was extended until the end of the season.[30] He played 11 times in 2011–12, scoring twice helping the Addicks win the League One title.[31]
Portsmouth
On summer transfer deadline day 2012, Russell joined Portsmouth on an initial one-month deal.[32] Russell left Portsmouth on 28 January 2013, a day before his contract with the club was due to expire.[33] He had made 18 appearances for Pompey with the side destined for relegation after suffering a ten-point deduction.[34]
Toronto FC
On 14 February, Russell joined Canadian Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a trial basis.[35] On 1 March, he signed a contract with the Canadian club.[36] He made his debut for the club on 9 March in a 2–1 home victory over Sporting Kansas City, he came on as a second half sub for John Bostock.[37] Russell scored his first goal for the club on 6 April, the goal came in the 90th minute to earn Toronto a 2–2 home draw against FC Dallas.[38] He was not retained following the 2013 season.[39]
Russel was born in England and is of Saint Lucian descent.[43] His sister Shar Alexander (real name Sharlene Russell), is a singer in the band 'Miss Frank' who competed in the sixth series of X Factor.[44]
Career statistics
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition