Connor Essam

Crawley Town

On 23 January 2013, Essam signed for Crawley Town of Football League One on a free transfer, with Gillingham retaining an interest by inserting a sell-on clause into the contract. In November 2013, Essam joined Conference Premier side Dartford on a one-month loan deal. Shortly into the 2013–14 season, he was released.

Dover Athletic On 1 September 2014, Essam signed for Dover Athletic, on the same day as he was released by Crawley Town.

Leyton Orient

On 27 July 2015, it was announced that Essam signed for Football League Two side Leyton Orient on a one-year contract following a successful trial, despite Orient having not agreed to a transfer fee with Dover. A transfer fee was agreed between the sides the following week.

In May 2016, he was released from Leyton Orient when it was announced that he would not be retained when his contract expired.

Eastleigh

On 14 June 2016, Essam joined National League side Eastleigh on a one-year deal. After only making five appearances in the space of a month, Essam joined Woking on a 93-day loan. Two days later, Essam made his Woking debut in a 1–1 draw against Guiseley, playing the full 90 minutes. However, just after a month into his loan spell with Woking, Essam was recalled by Eastleigh to cover an injury crisis. After a short spell back at Eastleigh, Essam once again left the club on loan, this time returning to Dover Athletic on a deal for the remainder of the campaign. Following a successful loan spell back at Dover, it was announced that Essam would leave Eastleigh in June 2017 upon the expiry of his current deal.

Dover Athletic

On 20 June 2017, Essam joined Dover Athletic, returning to the Whites on a two-year deal. He made his debut on the opening day in a 1–0 away victory to Hartlepool United.

In November 2018, he joined Concord Rangers on loan until the end of the season.

Hemel Hempstead Town Essam joined National League South team Hemel Hempstead Town in the summer of 2019.

Dartford On 16 August 2020, Essam was announced to have joined Dartford.

On 26 May 2023, Essam announced that he had left Dartford.

Faversham Town On 22 June 2023, Essam joined SCEFL Premier Division side Faversham Town. His departure from the club was announced in June 2024.

In October 2024, Essam returned to Faversham Town on a one-match basis, featuring in an FA Vase victory over British Airways.

Career statistics

Honours Dartford Kent Senior Cup: 2019–20, 2021–22