Neal Trotman

Neal Anthony Trotman (born 11 March 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Born in Levenshulme, Manchester, England, Trotman started his football career at Burnley and progressed through the club's youth system.

He captained the club's youth side to reach the Alliance Cup final but lost.

However, the following year, he was released by Burnley at the age of 18 and was soon picked up by Oldham Athletic.

After spending two months on the substitute bench in the first team, Trotman made his professional debut (and Oldham), coming on as a substitute for Stefan Stam in the second half, in a 2–1 win over Cheltenham Town on 4 November 2006.

In his second appearance for the side, he scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup tie against Kettering Town, in a 4–3 win.

With his chances limited, he was sent out on loan to Halifax Town for the remainder of the 2006–07 season.

By the time he joined Halifax Town on loan, Trotman made two appearances for the side and signed a new deal, keeping him until the end of the season.

At the end of the 2006–07 season, Trotman made twelve appearances and scoring two times for the side.

Trotman made his Halifax Town debut on 23 January 2007 against York City, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw.

He then scored three goals in three matches between 17 February 2007 and 24 February 2007, scoring against Stafford Rangers, Weymouth and Kidderminster Harriers.

Trotman became a first team regular for Halifax Town until he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for six weeks.

It wasn't until on 7 April 2007 when he made his return from injury, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Cambridge United.

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 for the side.

Trotman then scored his first goal of the season, coming against Doncaster Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup, which saw both drew 2–2.

However, in the first round of the FA Cup replay, he was sent–off for a second bookable offence, which saw Oldham Athletic win 2–1.

Trotman then scored his second goal of the season 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.

At the end of the 2007–08 season, Trotman made three appearances for the side.

Trotman 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.

After spending three months on the sidelines, he made his Preston North End debut, coming on as a substitute for Sean St Ledger midway through the first half, who suffered an injury, in a 2–2 draw against Plymouth Argyle on 19 April 2008.

However, in the 2008–09 season, Trotman suffered a hernia injury that kept him sidelined for the rest of the year.

By mid–December, he made his return to training and played in the reserve side for several months before being loaned out.

For the next two years, Trotman was put on the transfer list by Preston manager Darren Ferguson after returning from a loan spell at League One side Huddersfield Town.

In order to get first team football, he signed a one-month loan deal with Colchester United on 19 March 2009 to gain match fitness.

Trotman made his Colchester United debut on 21 March 2009, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Leicester City.

During the match, he "dominated both boxes in the air, turning in a man-of-the-match display", resulting from praise by Manager Paul Lambert.

Trotman went on to make six appearances for Colchester United.

At the start of the 2009–10 season, he made his first start of the Preston North End coming on as a 67-minute substitute and scoring in their 5–1 win over Morecambe in the first round of the League Cup.

On 20 August 2009, Trotman joined Southampton on loan until January 2010, having rejected a move to Millwall.

His first start for the club came in their 1–1 draw at home to Brentford on 22 August 2009.

Since joining the club, Trotman became a first team regular for the side.

His first goal for the club came in a 3–1 victory away at Southend United on 9 October 2009.

After being sidelined at the start of December, Trotman then scored in a 3–1 victory over Exeter City on Boxing day, 2009.

At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was released by the club upon expiry of his contract.

Trotman was ranked number five by local newspaper Lancashire Live as "the most bizarre signings in the history of Preston North End".