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Repton-born Russell Osman in his most familiar guise - playing for Ipswich Town

RUSSELL CHARLES OSMAN is one of the select group of men born in Derbyshire who have played association football for England. He played 11 games in central defence between May 1980 and September 1983.

He was born in Repton, Derbyshire, on 14 February 1959. His father Rex, a former professional footballer who played twice for Derby County in 1953-54, was landlord of the Bull's Head in Repton village.

Russell Osman showed all-round sporting talent as a schoolboy. He captained England Schools at rugby, but developed to a higher level at the association game. His first senior club was Ipswich Town - from 1976-85 he made 294 League appearances for them.

Thereafter he served a string of clubs as a player. Leicester City (1985-88), Southampton (1988-91), Bristol City (1991-94), Sudbury Town (1995), Plymouth Argyle (1995), Brighton and Hove Albion (1995-96), and Cardiff City (1996). His career total was 586 League games and 34 goals.

In the final stages of his career he combined playing with managing - Bristol City (1993-94) and Cardiff City (1996-98). He then pursued a coaching career and set up the Russell Osman Academy. He also pursued media work, and became the first ex-pro to commentate on Indian football.

Another curious piece of trivia attaching to his name is that he played one of the prisoner of war footballers in the cult film Escape To Victory (1981). His Ipswich Town colleague George Burley, later to manage Derby County, was also offered a part in the film but declined to appear.

• Three Lions On Their Shirt - England Footballers Born In Derbyshire

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County:  Derbyshire

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