On 24 November 2016, Trollope joined Brighton and Hove Albion alongside Chris Hughton's coaching team, as assistant manager.

[citation needed] He began his career at Swindon Town as a trainee, turning professional in December 1989, but failed to make the first team.

[citation needed] He joined Torquay United on loan in March 1992 and signed on a free transfer for the Plainmoor side that summer.

[citation needed] 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.

[citation needed] While Trollope was never able to hold down a regular place in the Wales national football team, he made nine appearances for the senior squad over six years, culminating in March 2003 in a 4–0 home victory over Azerbaijan in the ultimately unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2004.

[6] In his second season, he became caretaker manager[7] and was then appointed first-team coach in a two-tier managerial structure, alongside Director of Football Lennie Lawrence, in November 2005.

[13] 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[14] and September 2009.

[15] In July 2011, Trollope was appointed first-team coach of Championship club Birmingham City to work with manager Chris Hughton.

[16] When Hughton left for Premier League club Norwich City at the end of the season, Trollope went with him, again as first-team coach.