Neal Trotman

Oldham Athletic

He was released by Burnley at the age of 18 and was soon picked up by Oldham Athletic. In his first season, he made just two appearances scoring in an FA Cup tie against Kettering Town. Trotman signed a new deal, until the end of the season. With his chances limited, he was sent out on loan to Halifax Town for the remainder of the 2006–07 season.

Trotman's chances at the beginning of the 2007–08 season were also limited until injuries hit the Latics' defence. Trotman then found himself in a string of first team matches impressing the manager and the fans in the process. He was quickly hailed a "hot prospect" by the fans and became a first team regular. Trotman scored his first goal of the campaign against Leeds United in Oldham's 3–1 win at Elland Road however he missed their historic 1–0 win over Everton at Goodison Park due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. His good aerial ability matched by his athleticism, strength and sharpness attracted scouts from clubs in higher divisions. With interest growing in Trotman, Oldham faced a tough fight to keep hold of him during the transfer window. On 29 January, it had been confirmed that Plymouth Argyle had made an undisclosed fee; however that bid alerted numerous clubs who were tracking his progress to make a move, among those clubs were Preston North End, Derby County, and Blackburn Rovers.

Preston North End

He signed for Preston North End on 30 January 2008 for a fee of £500,000 (including "sell on" and "after appearances" clauses) on a three-year deal. Due to a long term injury which ruled him out for most of the 2008–09 season he signed a one-month loan deal with Colchester United on 19 March 2009 to gain match fitness.

During the 2009–10 season Trotman scored for three different clubs Preston North End, Southampton and Huddersfield Town. He made his first start of the 2009–10 season for Preston coming on as a 67-minute substitute and scoring in their 5–1 win over Morecambe in the first round of the League Cup. He was then Loaned out to League One side Southampton for until January 2010, where he made 18 appearances scoring twice before returning to Preston.

He was then loaned out to League One side Huddersfield Town in January 2010 until the end of the season where he made 23 appearances scoring twice and helping them to a League One Play-offs semi-finial until they were knocked out the second leg. Trotman was put on the transfer list by Preston manager Darren Ferguson after returning from a loan spell at League One side Huddersfield Town.

Southampton

On 20 August 2009, Trotman joined Southampton on loan until January 2010. His first start for the club came in their 0–0 draw at home to Colchester United on 5 September 2009. His first goal for the club came in a 3–1 victory away at Southend. He also scored in a 3–1 victory over Exeter City on Boxing day, 2009. Trotman's last appearance for Southampton came in their 2–1 away defeat at Colchester United on 28 December 2009, after making 18 appearances with 17 of them starts and scoring two goals for the club.

Huddersfield Town

In January 2010, he joined Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the season. On 30 January, he made his debut in the 1–0 win against Yeovil Town at Huish Park, along with two other of Towns new signings on loan striker Nathan Eccleston and Australian left back Dean Heffernan. He scored his first goal for the club in the 2–0 win against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park on 20 February 2010. On 13 March, he scored his first goal at the Galpharm Stadium against Norwich City where Town lost 3–1 in the end. Trotman became a regular in the side replacing vice captain Nathan Clarke partnering captain Peter Clarke in Towns central defence for the second half of the season.

After helping the Terriers reach the play-offs, he returned to Preston, after their 2–0 loss to Millwall in the semi-finals after playing 21 games scoring two during his loan spell with the Terriers. Huddersfield manager Lee Clark, confirmed he wants to bring Trotman back to the club on a permanent basis. Saying "Neal did well in his time here, playing a key role in our improved away form in the second half of the season and we're looking at his situation."

Oldham Athletic

On 25 November 2010, Trotman re-joined his previous club Oldham Athletic on loan until January 2011. His loan was then extended until the end of the season. Trotman went on to make 12 appearance for Oldham Athletic while on loan.

Rochdale

Trotman signed for English League One club Rochdale on 14 July 2011 on a two-year contract. Trotman made his debut for Rochdale in a 2–0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday. Trotman received his a red card after a second booking offence against his former Oldham Athletics (the club started his career) as Rochdale lost 2–0.

Chesterfield

On 3 November 2011, Trotman joined Chesterfield on a two-month loan deal with Dean Holden going in the opposite direction. The deal became permanent on 3 January 2012. He was made captain of the side by manager John Sheridan but is unavailable to play in the final of the Football League Trophy, having played for Rochdale in the same competition earlier in the season. The next season, Trotman retained his first status under Sheridan and on 13 September 2012, Trotman scored his first goal in a 4–1 win over Wycombe After Sheridan sacking, Paul Cook appointed as a new manager. Under Cook, Trotman first team was limited and was placed on the transfer list, along with Craig Westcarr. In the early January, Trotman return to the first team and made an impressive performance in a 3–0 win over Northampton Town. After the match, Trotman was praised by Cook as "absolutely magnificent" and “manful". Later in the 2012–13 season, Trotman formed a defensive partner with Liam Cooper. At the end of the 2012–13 season, Trotman was among seven players to be released by Chesterfield.

Plymouth Argyle

After being released by Chesterfield, Trotman went on trial with Scottish Premiership side Partick Thistle. He was offered a contract by them, but a deal was not agreed and he then had a short trial at Dundee United. He played in a friendly against Wigan Athletic, but was not offered terms. Trotman signed a short-term contract with Plymouth Argyle in August. The move, initially until January 2014, reunited him with Sheridan, who previously signed him at Oldham and Chesterfield. He made his debut in a League Cup game at Birmingham City the next day, and scored his first goal for the club in a league match at Mansfield Town in October. Trotman had made 25 appearances in all competitions by the end of the year and was keen to extend his contract. He signed an extension until the end of the season a few days later.

Bristol Rovers

On 7 August 2014, Neal agreed a short term deal to join Bristol Rovers in the Conference Premier following his release from Plymouth Argyle.

Free Agent

After Rovers were promoted back to the football league at the first attempt, Trotman was released after he was deemed surplus to requirements. He is still currently looking for a new club.