Trevor Storton (18 November 1951 – 24 July 2022) was an English professional footballer who played as a centre‑half. He is noted for his prolonged tenures with Preston North End and Bradford City, where he accumulated more than 500 appearances in the English Football League. Following his playing career, Storton worked in various coaching capacities, including roles within youth development at non‑league clubs.
Early life and youth career
Storton was born in Preston, Lancashire. He progressed through local youth football before joining the youth system of his hometown club, Preston North End.
Professional playing career
| Club | Years | League appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston North End | 1970 – 1978 | >300 | 12 |
| Bradford City | 1978 – 1984 | >200 | 9 |
| Non‑league clubs (e.g., Stalybridge Celtic, Morecambe) | 1984 – late 1980s | – | – |
Storton established himself as a reliable defender at Preston North End, contributing to the club’s campaigns in the Second and Third Divisions. In 1978 he transferred to Bradford City, where he continued as a regular starter and participated in the club’s promotion pursuits. After leaving the Football League, he played for several non‑league sides before retiring from senior competition.
Coaching and later work
After his playing days, Storton remained active in football, undertaking coaching assignments predominantly at the youth level. Notably, he served on the coaching staff of Accrington Stanley, where he mentored emerging talent and occasionally acted as caretaker manager. His involvement extended to community football programs and scouting within the North West England region.
Personal life and death
Storton resided in Lancashire following retirement. He passed away on 24 July 2022 at the age of 70, with tributes from his former clubs acknowledging his contributions on and off the pitch.
Legacy
Trevor Storton is remembered for his durability and consistency as a defender, as well as his dedication to developing younger players in the later stages of his career. His career totals place him among the more seasoned English lower‑division footballers of his era.