LIAM’S HAD A LONG TROTT!
From Colarado to Bromley for EFL ace
MOST National League players despair at the thought of a midweek slog to Torquay or Hartlepool.
But after a year jetting across the USA, those away days will feel like child’s play to Bromley new boy Liam Trotter.
The former Bolton Wanderers and Millwall midfielder, 32, spent the 2019 season playing for Californian side Orange County in the second tier USLC.
Opponents hailed from Oklahoma City in the midwest (1,325 miles away) and Tacoma on the northern Pacific coast (1,200 miles) whilst even a trip to fellow Californians Fresno necessitated a four-hour drive.
“It was definitely different,” laughs Trotter, who has scored 41 goals in 372 EFL games. “We were flying to most games, staying over before and after because it was so far.
“One week you could be playing at high altitude in Colorado. The next in 40 degree heat in Arizona. Then you’d be way up north in the wind and rain.
“It was a challenge to adapt, but I was really enjoying it. Unfortunately, I got a bad injury which brought the whole thing to an abrupt end.”
Scenery
The injury – which required surgery – ruled Trotter out for the remainder of the 2019 campaign and he was eventually released after just 16 appearances.
“Injuries can ruin any season for you but it’s especially frustrating when you’re new to a club,” he says.
“But every cloud has a silver lining and the positive side was that I had a lot more time to travel around, see the sights and appreciate the scenery of California.
“We went all the way up to San Francisco, did the Pacific Coast Highway. Stopped off at the nice places up there, like Moterrey and Santa Barbara. That was absolutely beautiful. We went down to San Diego, stopped off at Las Vegas. It was a great experience.”
Muddy pitches
For a player who was playing Championship football just four years ago, a move to the National League appears a substantial drop.
But with the covid crisis causing ongoing financial uncertainty and Trotter out of competitive action for over 12 months, he is realistic about his prospects. “I was under no illusions,” he admits. “I’d been injured for a little while. With the current state of affairs, with money tight, it’s going to be difficult for everyone to find contracts.
“Bromley have been keen for a little while and shown a lot of faith. I came and spoke to Neil Smith and I instantly wanted to be part of it.
“Football’s football. It’s a delusion that things get better the higher you go. I’ve played Championship games that were scrappy affairs on muddy pitches. I’ve played in League Two games with a lot of football being played. And the National League has improved light years beyond what it was even ten years ago.
“I’m only 32 and, injuries permitting, I still feel I’ve got a few good years left. But I’m not here to use the club as a stepping stone. I’m here to help Bromley get into the Football League and it would be an amazing achievement to do that.”