Moses Richard Russell (20 May 1888 – 18 December 1946) was a Welsh international footballer, who played most of his career with Plymouth Argyle.

In his leisure time he played both association football and rugby as well as being a boxer and competent swimmer, once rescuing a drowning child from a river.

[1] Whilst with Merthyr Town, Russell helped them win the South Wales & Monmouthshire FA Cup.

[3] Although he was not selected for the next international, against England, he was called up to play Ireland on 13 April, this time in his preferred position at left back.

In the summer of 1912, Russell left South Wales to join Southport but with the club having financial problems,[5] he returned to Merthyr on a free transfer in February 1913, rather than take a cut in his wages.

[6] As a result of a bout of rheumatic fever, Russell lost most of his hair; his bald head[7] made him appear some years older than his true age.

I was crippled with peritonitis (sic) of the knee and thought I would have to give up my career as a professional footballer, but since taking your wonderful waters I have not only played in every match last season, but am still fit and have had no recurrence of the trouble.

[11] Russell became club captain and led his side to the runners-up position in the Football League Division Three South for six successive seasons between 1921–22 and 1926–27.

In the summer of 1924, a Plymouth Argyle team visited South America to play some exhibition football in Uruguay and the Argentine.

His effective style, precise judgment, accurate and timely clearances, powerful kicking and no less useful work with his head.....one of the most wonderful backs and one of the brainiest players ever seen on the football field.

[17][18][19] Russell continued to turn out for Wales over the next few years, helping them to claim a fourth championship in 1927–28 before making his final appearance, aged 40, on 17 November 1928 in a 2–3 defeat by England.