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Trotter Crosses Atlantic, Joins Orange County

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 02/19/19, 4:53PM EST

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Former Millwall, Bolton Wanderers midfielder makes move to Southern California


New Orange County SC signing Liam Trotter has made almost 200 appearances in the EFL Championship in his career. | Photo courtesy Bolton Wanderers

IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday it had signed experienced English midfielder Liam Trotter for the 2019 USL Championship season, who brings nearly 200 appearances to his name in the English Championship. The signing is pending receipt of his P1 Visa, and league and federation approval.

“I am extremely happy that we have come to an agreement with Liam,” said OCSC Head Coach Braeden Cloutier. “This offseason we knew we needed someone of his stature in our team. He has the power and presence that we've been looking for. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to our team.”

The 30-year-old joins Orange County following an extensive career, which saw him appear in more than 350 games during a 13-year spell. He began his professional career with Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship and made 26 appearances for his hometown club. Following a number of loan moves, he signed for fellow EFL Championship club Millwall FC, where he made 163 appearances for the Lions, scoring 26 goals and recording 25 assists.

“I’m really happy to be joining the club,” said Trotter. “It’s an exciting new challenge and an opportunity for me to experience soccer and life in a new country. I can’t wait to get started and to be a part of the progression and growth of OCSC.”

While with Millwall, Trotter helped lead the side on a memorable F.A. Cup run in 2013, where they reached the historic tournament’s semifinals, defeating Premier League opposition along the way with a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park before falling to eventual winners Wigan Athletic FC at Wembley.

In 2014, Trotter moved to Bolton Wanderers FC where he spent three years and made more than 70 appearances and scored six goals for the club. Among those was Bolton’s 2014 Goal of the Season, a stunning 35-yard volley against Sheffield Wednesday.   

“We are very excited to add a player of Liam’s pedigree to our roster,” said OCSC General Manager Oliver Wyss. “He has a wealth of experience in the English Championship and his leadership qualities along with his technical ability will have a significant impact on our team on and off the field.”

Following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest FC, he joined EFL League One side AFC Wimbledon in 2017, where he played alongside fellow Orange County offseason arrival Harry Forrester. Trotter made a total of 70 appearances for The Dons, 25 of which came this season. He also played a part in their F.A. Cup run which saw them reach the Fifth Round for the first time in the club’s history, following a 3-0 victory over the Premier League’s West Ham United.

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