It is every Hong Kong footballer's dream to play in a higher standard, challenging himself on a bigger stage and reaping better financial rewards. However, for every success story out there, there are also stories of those who did not work out.

More than half a year ago, Andrew Russell left the Hong Kong Premier League for a fresh new challenge with Malaysia Super League side Penang. Nine months have gone by and the Hong Kong international is now preparing for the new Hong Kong Premier League season in Wofoo Tai Po colors.

Refreshingly honest, Russell looks back on his time in Malaysia football and reveals what have gone wrong.

“Low, low and even lower.” That is how Russell summed up his time with Penang.

“Englishman Ashley Westwood was in-charge of the team and brought me in. Even today, I still think he is probably the best coach that I have ever had in my football career, very detail-oriented,” the bruising centre-back reflected.

“However, Penang started the season behind the eight ball and lost six games in a row to start the campaign. Then I picked up a knock on my knee two months into the season, eventually effecting my own performance.”

“At that time, I chose to buckle down and to keep on playing. In hindsight, that probably hurt my future with Penang more than anything. But I was brought in by Westwood and I thought if he was let go because of poor results, my chances of staying would go out of the window as well. In truth, the only chance that I had back then was to keep on playing and to try my best.”

An intimidating figure from the outside, Russell admitted his time with Penang did hamper his on-field confidence. Yet at the same time, the Hong Kong international would still recommend the overseas-playing experience to any fellow professional footballer.

“The Malaysia Super League attracts quite a crowd. Therefore expectations and pressure are naturally high for the players – especially foreign imports,” Russell explained.

“The heat that I took from the internet and the stands are tough to take but I have always believed that confidence stems from within and every knock against you is a test to your character.”

“If I am presented with the same opportunity once again, I will still give it a very serious consideration. At the same time, I will encourage every single local player to seriously consider every opportunity of playing outside Hong Kong.”

A few months of contract squabble has gone by between Penang and Russell and the two sides finally came to an agreement on a mutual parting this summer. It certainly did not take long for clubs from the Hong Kong premier league to express their interests on the rearguard. At the end, it was Wofoo Tai Po that came out on top and sealed the signature of Russell.

“Even though I was playing away from Hong Kong, that did not stop me from following my old club South China from afar. I then discovered that every time when the Caroliners were playing against Wofoo Tai Po, the game would be very tight and hotly-contested. That really left an impression on me,” Russell said.

“I am eternally grateful for all the interests that I generated but at the end, I just felt Wofoo Tai Po showed the most interest in their pursuit and that was why I signed for them instead.”  

Starting afresh, Russell states that his target for the immediate future is crystal clear. “At this point, I just want to work hard and become a mainstay in the Wofoo Tai Po side, chalking up regular playing-time, occasionally providing the team with assists or goals and becoming a good influence to my teammates through a professional attitude,” offered the gentle giant.

“I do have to confess that I have long circled the date of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers between Malaysia and Hong Kong in my calendar. If I ever receive the opportunity to once again play in front of the Malaysian crowd, I will certainly put my best foot forward and try to show them what the true Andrew Russell is capable.”