Russell: David Page (David)

1925-1926 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Crossgates Nr Dunfermline: 13-11-1895

Debut v Huddersfield Town (a): 31-01-1925

5’10” 11st 5lb (1925)

After playing in local Crossgates football, and being on the books of Cowdenbeath in April 1919, Russell had an outstanding career with Hearts of Beath in Scottish Junior Football, but had moved on to Rosyth Recreation by the time he was selected for the Scotland Junior International team against England at St Andrew's Birmingham on 24th April 1923. He joined Doncaster Rovers soon after that appearance, in August 1923, where he understudied ex-Leeds keeper Harold Jacklin. After just twenty-seven appearances for Rovers in the Third Division North, Russell was signed by Leeds in exchange for Jack Lambert in January 1925. Despite having little senior experience, he was thrown in at the deep end to make his debut in the West Yorkshire ‘derby’ against Huddersfield Town, only days after his arrival. The Goalkeeping position was a problem for United as Billy Down, Bill Johnson and Bill Moore all staked their claim, but after Russell’s arrival he and Billy Down shared the position between them until the end of the season. The 1925-26 season had seen the departure of Bill Moore and he was soon followed by Billy Down as Bill Johnson became the recognized keeper and he remained as such, apart from a single appearance by Richard Thornton, until Jim Potts arrived on the scene and became United’s undisputed best custodian for many seasons. Unable to break back into the first team, Russell was transferred to Third Division South side, Watford, on a free transfer in June 1926, as a replacement for the departed Skilly Williams. After being first choice in both Watford's pre-season practice matches, he made his debut for them in the opening fixture of the season on 28th August 1926 in a 1-0 home win over Charlton Athletic. After keeping clean sheets in the first two home games of the season, which were both won, Watford failed to impress away from home and lost 0-5 at Bristol City, but another clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace seemed to have restored his fortune. However, two consecutive 1-2 defeats, followed by a 0-4 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on 18th September 1926, saw him make his seventh and final appearance as Watford looked to his deputy, Joe Woodward, for answers. After two games, it was decided that he too was not up to scratch and they went to Bolton Wanderers and signed Dick Pym's understudy, Bill Yates, who went straight into Watford’s first-team and didn’t miss a game for a year. Russell was released at the end of the 1926-27 season and joined Lincoln City of the Third Division North on a free transfer in July 1927. He spent one season there, without making a first-team appearance, before retiring at the end of the 1927-28 season. He later worked as a construction manager until retirement. He died at Kirkaldy, Fife, on 15th August 1972.