Paul Trollope

Playing career Club career Trollope was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, He began his career at Swindon Town as a trainee, turning professional in December 1989, but failed to make the first team. However, he left the Cottagers to join Coventry City on a free transfer in March 2002 after losing his place at Craven Cottage. He stayed only a few months at Highfield Road, moving to Northampton Town in July after being released at the end of the season.

International career In May 1997, Trollope was called up by then Wales manager, Bobby Gould, and made his debut in a 1–0 victory over Scotland at Kilmarnock. In his second season, he became caretaker manager and was then appointed first-team coach in a two-tier managerial structure, alongside Director of Football Lennie Lawrence, in November 2005. His first season in charge ended in a respectable midtable position of 12th place in League Two. The following year Rovers reached the Football League Trophy final but lost to Doncaster Rovers. They made up for this loss by winning promotion to League One via the play-offs.

In the 2007–08 season, Trollope steered Bristol Rovers to mid-table security after a shaky start. Rovers also made the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 50 years. In September 2009, following more success, he signed a rolling one-year contract under which his title changed to manager.

Despite his achievements at the club, he was sacked on 15 December 2010, with Rovers lying in the League One relegation zone. His overall record in charge of the club was 106 wins and 71 draws from 284 games. During his time with the club, Trollope won the EFL League One Manager of the Month award on two occasions, for October 2008 after four wins and one draw from five and September 2009.

Return to coaching

In July 2011, Trollope was appointed first-team coach of Championship club Birmingham City to work with manager Chris Hughton. When Hughton left for Premier League club Norwich City at the end of the season, Trollope went with him, again as first-team coach. He left the club when Hughton was dismissed in April 2014.

Trollope was appointed head coach of Championship club Cardiff City in February 2015. On 21 July 2015, Trollope was appointed as a coach for the Wales national team alongside his role at Cardiff City.

Cardiff City At the end of the 2015–16 season, Cardiff manager Russell Slade moved into a head of football role and Trollope was named as his successor, his first job in management since departing Bristol Rovers six years previously. Slade later resigned from his role, after just two weeks, on 3 June. After a poor start to the season, winning 2 of his opening 12 matches, Trollope was sacked by the club on 4 October 2016.

Brighton & Hove Albion On 24 November 2016, Trollope joined Brighton & Hove Albion as assistant manager.

Luton Town In November 2022, Trollope joined Luton Town as joint-assistant manager to former international teammate Rob Edwards.

Southampton On 25 June 2025, Trollope joined Southampton as assistant manager.

Wolverhampton Wanderers On 21 November 2025, Trollope joined Wolverhampton Wanderers as assistant head coach, reuniting with Rob Edwards.

Managerial statistics + Managerial record by team and tenure

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Football League Trophy runner-up: 2006–07

Individual Football League Two Manager of the Month: April 2007 Football League One Manager of the Month: October 2008, September 2009