John Cottam

Playing career Cottam began his career with Nottingham Forest, whom he signed professional forms with in April 1968. He made his debut in the 1970–71 season when the club were in The First Division. Apart from loan spells with Mansfield Town and Lincoln City, Cottam remained at Forest until August 1976, making nearly 100 league appearances in the process.

Cottam then moved on to Chesterfield, where he played regularly for three years in Division Three. In July 1979 he moved to divisional rivals Chester for £12,500, making his debut in a Football League Cup tie against Walsall the following month. In his first season, he missed just one of Chester's 58 first-team games and helped the Blues reach the FA Cup fifth round. He remained a regular for the next two years with Trevor Storton his regular defensive partner. His first season saw the club finish as runners–up in the Bob Lord Trophy, with the Seadogs going on to win the competition the following season. However, Cottam was sacked in November 1984, shortly after an FA Cup defeat to Tow Law Town.

John now works for Chelsea Football Club in Security as their Compliance Officer.

Honours

Scarborough

Bob Lord Trophy: Winners 1983–84; runners-up 1982–83.