Joining City in 1939, Brenen's City career was badly affected by WW2.

He remained with City until 1951, enjoying a club record testimonial game before leaving when he couldn't agree a new contract with City.

After his playing career ended, he returned to City to coach junior sides.

On Facebook, in October 2025, his daughter, Virginia Earnshaw noted, "he played snooker as well n did walking. My dad was an MCC cricket coach. He scored 100 against Freddie Trueman's bowling. Both my sons take after him too. Russell was a pro rugby player at Bath and played and coached England 7s".