Manchester United reserve team player Martin Russell spent February 1987 on loan to Norwich but did not make the first team. Neither did he make an appearance for the Red Devils but the Dublin born midfielder did win Republic of Ireland under 21 caps whilst with United. He also spent a loan spell with Birmingham City in October 1986 making 5 appearances (2 as substitute). He transferred to Leicester City in March 1987 making 20 appearances (7 as substitute). He moved to Scarborough in February 1989 and made 51 appearances for them scoring 9 times. He joined Middlesbrough in March 1990 and had made 11 appearances, scoring twice .

He joined Irish side Portadown in August 1991 and made over 100 appearances for them before transferring to St Patrick's Athletic in July 1998. He was appointed Assistant Manager to new boss Eamonn Collins in March 2003.