Trevor Carson
Trevor Carson (born 5 March 1988) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Scottish Championship club Ross County on a season-long loan from Dundee.[1][2] Born in Killyleagh, County Down, Carson began his youth career with local club Killyleagh Boys before joining the Sunderland academy in 2004, where he progressed through the ranks over eight years.[3][4] During this period, he gained senior experience through loan spells at EFL clubs including Chesterfield, Lincoln City, Brentford, Bury, and Hull City, though he did not make a first-team appearance for Sunderland.[4][5][6] Carson turned professional with Hartlepool United in July 2015 on a free transfer, where he established himself as a regular, making 57 league appearances over two seasons in EFL League Two.[7][8] In 2017, he moved to Scotland to join Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, spending four seasons there and accumulating significant top-flight experience.[1] His career continued with a brief stint at Dundee United in 2021, followed by a transfer to St Mirren for the 2022–23 season (37 appearances), a short-term loan to Morecambe in EFL League One during 2022 (21 appearances), and a permanent move to Dundee in 2023, where he has made 47 league appearances to date.[9][7] In September 2025, he joined Ross County on loan until the end of the 2025–26 season, reuniting with former Dundee manager Tony Docherty.[10] Throughout his career, Carson has amassed over 390 league appearances across English and Scottish football.[11] A Northern Ireland international, Carson received his first senior call-up in 2010 but made his debut in a friendly against South Korea in March 2018; he has earned 8 caps for his country to date.[12] Standing at 1.85 metres tall and right-footed, he is known for his experience and reliability in goal, with a current market value of €100,000.[2]Club career
Sunderland (2007–2012)
Trevor Carson signed his first professional contract with Sunderland in 2007 at the age of 19, having progressed through the club's youth system after starting his early development with Killyleagh Boys in Northern Ireland.[5][13] During his five-year tenure at the club, Carson remained part of the professional setup but faced significant hurdles in securing a place in the first team, primarily due to intense competition from high-profile goalkeepers including Craig Gordon, who had joined from Celtic in 2007 for a club-record fee.[14][15] Despite being named on the substitute bench on multiple occasions, Carson never made a competitive first-team appearance for Sunderland, instead focusing on reserve team matches and development opportunities to hone his skills.[13][16] To gain essential senior-level experience, he was loaned out several times during this period, beginning with a season-long move to League Two side Chesterfield in August 2008, where he made his professional debut in a 1–0 league win over Barnet later that month.[17][18] Carson's subsequent loans provided further exposure in lower divisions, including short-term spells at Lincoln City in early 2011, where he featured in League Two matches before being recalled, and at Brentford later that year for additional game time in the same league.[19][20] He also joined League One club Bury on an initial two-month loan in September 2011, making eight starts and contributing to their solid defensive record, before returning for a second stint in early 2012 that paved the way for his permanent transfer there upon leaving Sunderland at the end of the season.[16][21] A brief one-month loan to Championship side Hull City in January 2012 rounded out his time at Sunderland, offering exposure to higher-level competition amid ongoing challenges to displace the established senior options.[22][23]Bury (2012–2014)
In May 2012, following two successful loan spells at the club during the 2011–12 season, Trevor Carson joined Bury on a permanent two-year contract from Sunderland.[24] The transfer was hailed as a significant achievement by manager Richie Barker, who noted Carson's 17 appearances in those loans and his preference for regular first-team action at Bury over other opportunities.[25] Carson quickly became Bury's primary goalkeeper, making 44 appearances across all competitions over the subsequent two seasons.[26] In the 2012–13 League One campaign, he featured in 39 league matches, contributing to the team's defensive efforts amid a challenging season that ended in relegation to League Two.[27] His league outings included notable displays of resilience, with 12 clean sheets recorded during his overall Bury tenure. Beyond league duties, Carson delivered key performances in cup fixtures, starting three FA Cup ties and one EFL Cup match, where his command of the penalty area proved vital.[26] These outings, combined with his consistent shot-stopping in high-pressure league games, solidified his reputation as a dependable professional goalkeeper during Bury's time in the third tier.[28] In October 2013, with limited opportunities at Bury that season, Carson moved on a season-long loan to Portsmouth to regain regular playing time.[29]Portsmouth (loan) (2013–2014)
In October 2013, Trevor Carson joined Portsmouth on an initial three-month loan from Bury.[30] He made his debut on 5 October 2013, securing a clean sheet in a 3–0 league victory against Rochdale at Fratton Park.[31] Carson rapidly became Portsmouth's first-choice goalkeeper, displacing previous options and featuring in every subsequent league match.[8] After 17 appearances, his loan was extended until the end of the 2013–14 season in January 2014, reflecting the club's satisfaction with his performances.[32] Over the course of the campaign, Carson made 36 league appearances for Portsmouth in League Two, starting all of them and playing the full 3,240 minutes.[8] He kept 10 clean sheets while conceding 55 goals, providing stability to a defense that had struggled earlier in the season and helping the team achieve a mid-table finish of 13th place.[8] Upon the loan's expiration in June 2014, Carson returned to Bury without a permanent move to Portsmouth materializing, despite informal discussions about a potential contract.[33]Cheltenham Town (2014–2015)
Following his release from Bury at the end of the 2013–14 season, Trevor Carson joined Cheltenham Town on a free transfer on a two-year contract on 30 June 2014, becoming the club's first signing of the summer.[34][35] He was installed as the number one goalkeeper, drawing on his recent loan experience at Portsmouth to establish consistency between the posts.[36] During the 2014–15 League Two campaign, Carson emerged as a reliable presence for a struggling Cheltenham side, making 46 league appearances while featuring in all competitions for a total of 51 outings. His performances were particularly highlighted by his shot-stopping ability and command in the penalty area, including saves against two spot-kicks during the season against Dagenham & Redbridge and another opponent.[37] Despite the team's defensive vulnerabilities, Carson's consistency stood out amid the club's broader difficulties, earning praise as one of their top performers in a season marked by managerial changes and poor results.[38] Carson's standout individual contributions were recognized at the end of the season when he was voted the Cheltenham Town Supporters' Player of the Year for 2014–15.[39] Cheltenham Town finished 23rd in League Two and were relegated to the National League on 25 April 2015 after a 1–0 home defeat to Shrewsbury Town, ending their 16-year stint in the Football League.[40] With his contract still having a year remaining, Carson departed the club shortly after, signing for Hartlepool United in June 2015 as he sought to remain in the professional leagues.[41]Hartlepool United (2015–2017)
In June 2015, Trevor Carson joined Hartlepool United from Cheltenham Town on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, becoming the club's sixth summer signing and first-choice goalkeeper.[41][42] Building on his Player of the Year accolade from the previous season at Cheltenham, Carson quickly established himself at Victoria Park with consistent performances that helped stabilize the defense in League Two.[39] Over the subsequent two seasons, Carson made 63 appearances for Hartlepool, including several crucial saves during intense relegation battles that kept the team competitive in tight matches.[43] In the 2015–16 campaign, his reliability was evident as he featured in 38 games, contributing to a 16th-place finish and earning him the club's Player of the Year award, along with Players' Player and Community Player honors.[44][45] The 2016–17 season proved more challenging, with Carson playing 25 games amid defensive struggles, though his shot-stopping remained a highlight in key fixtures.[8] Hartlepool were ultimately relegated to the National League on the final day of the season despite a 2–1 victory over Doncaster Rovers, finishing 23rd in League Two.[46] Following the relegation, Carson's contract was not renewed, leading to his departure from the club in June 2017.[47]Motherwell (2017–2021)
In June 2017, Trevor Carson signed a three-year contract with Motherwell, transferring from Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.[48][47] He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making his debut in a 5–1 League Cup group stage victory over Queen's Park on 15 July 2017.[48] During his debut season, Carson featured in 46 matches across all competitions, contributing to Motherwell's run to the 2017 Scottish League Cup final, where they lost 2–0 to Celtic on 26 November 2017 at Hampden Park.[49] His performances that year earned him the club's Player of the Year award for the 2017–18 season.[50] Over his time at Motherwell from 2017 to 2021, Carson made 57 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.[51] In January 2020, following a strong recovery period, he extended his contract by two-and-a-half years, committing to the club until summer 2022.[52] However, his progress was interrupted in November 2018 when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after falling ill during international duty with Northern Ireland.[53] The condition sidelined him for nearly 18 months, with Carson undergoing treatment and missing the remainder of the 2018–19 season and most of 2019–20.[54] He returned to competitive action in August 2020, starting in a 1–0 Premiership defeat to Ross County on 1 August.[55]Dundee United (2021–2022)
Carson joined Dundee United on 8 July 2021, signing a two-year contract after departing Motherwell. The Northern Ireland international was brought in to provide depth in goal, with manager Micky Mellon highlighting his experience and leadership qualities as key additions to the squad.[56][57] Throughout the 2021–22 Scottish Premiership season, Carson struggled for consistent playing time, making just four appearances, all full 90-minute starts in league fixtures against St Johnstone, Heart of Midlothian, St Mirren, and Hibernian. His limited opportunities stemmed from strong competition with established first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, who featured in 32 league matches, alongside occasional form and rotation considerations.[58][59] Despite Carson's peripheral role, Dundee United enjoyed a solid campaign, finishing fourth in the Premiership table with 48 points from 38 matches, which earned them qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League. The team's defensive stability, anchored by Siegrist, played a significant part in this achievement, conceding 45 goals overall.[60] Seeking more regular minutes to maintain his match fitness, Carson was loaned to EFL League One club Morecambe in January 2022 for the remainder of the season.[61]Morecambe (loan) (2021–2022)
In January 2022, following limited playing time at Dundee United where he had made just four appearances that season, Trevor Carson joined Morecambe on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season.[11] The move reunited him with manager Stephen Robinson, under whom he had previously excelled at Motherwell, with Robinson praising Carson's experience and leadership qualities, noting he had been "excellent for me, my captain at times."[62] Carson quickly established himself as Morecambe's first-choice goalkeeper in EFL League One, making 21 league appearances and accumulating over 1,800 minutes on the pitch.[11] During this period, he contributed to three clean sheets while helping the team maintain defensive solidity amid a challenging campaign.[63] Morecambe finished 19th in the League One table, securing mid-table safety and avoiding relegation with 42 points from 46 matches.[64] Carson's performances earned positive feedback from fans and the coaching staff, who highlighted his commanding presence in the penalty area and reliable shot-stopping. Morecambe supporter Tom described him as "fantastic," emphasizing his solidity in dealing with crosses, assured general keeping, and several "incredible saves," including a standout stop against Oxford United that preserved a vital victory.[65] Robinson's endorsement of his experience further underscored Carson's value in providing stability to the backline.[62] Upon the conclusion of his loan in May 2022, Carson returned to Dundee United but was subsequently released by the club, paving the way for his next move.St Mirren (2022–2023)
Carson joined St Mirren from Dundee United on 25 May 2022, signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[66][67] He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making 37 league appearances during the 2022–23 Scottish Premiership season and contributing to the team's solid mid-table campaign.[68] St Mirren finished sixth in the league with 46 points, securing a comfortable position away from the relegation battle and earning a spot in the following season's European play-offs. Carson's performances included notable saves in high-profile matches, such as a one-handed stop to deny Jota during a 1–5 home defeat to Celtic in March 2023, helping to limit further damage despite the loss.[69] In March 2023, he agreed to a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until summer 2025.[70] Carson's stint at St Mirren ended in August 2023 when he departed for Dundee on an undisclosed fee, midway through his extended deal.[71][72]Dundee (2023–2025)
In August 2023, Dundee signed Northern Irish goalkeeper Trevor Carson from St Mirren on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[72] Carson became the club's primary goalkeeper during the 2023–24 Scottish Premiership season, featuring in 19 league matches and contributing to Dundee's sixth-place finish, their highest league position since 2015. His consistent performances provided stability in defense, with notable saves in key fixtures that helped secure the team's top-half standing. As an experienced presence in a squad blending youth and seniority, Carson praised the talent of younger teammates, noting he was "blown away" by their quality and potential to drive the team's success.[73] During the 2024–25 Scottish Premiership campaign, Carson again led the goalkeeper rotation in appearances, playing the most games among the options and helping Dundee accumulate 28 points from his outings.[74] His reliability under manager Tony Docherty bolstered team dynamics, offering guidance to emerging players amid a competitive environment.[75] By the start of the 2025–26 season, a managerial change to Steven Pressley and increased competition from new signing Kieran O'Hara reduced Carson's playing time, prompting a season-long loan to Ross County in September 2025 to regain regular minutes.[10] Over his two years at Dundee, Carson made 54 appearances across all competitions.[10]Ross County (loan) (2025–present)
On 25 September 2025, Trevor Carson joined Ross County on a season-long loan from Dundee until the end of the 2025–26 season, seeking regular playing time after limited opportunities at his parent club following their promotion to the Scottish Premiership.[1][76][77] As of 20 November 2025, Carson has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making eight appearances in the Scottish Championship and accumulating 720 minutes of play. In these matches, he has recorded three clean sheets while conceding nine goals, contributing to Ross County's defensive efforts during a season marked by competitive fixtures. This includes a 0–3 defeat to Greenock Morton on 15 November 2025, which Carson described as 'embarrassing' amid the team's struggles.[78][79] Carson's arrival has bolstered the squad's experience in goal, aiding integration amid Ross County's position in the Championship, where they sit ninth with 12 points from 15 games as they aim to build momentum.[80][81]International career
Youth career
Carson began his international youth career representing Northern Ireland at the under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels from 2004 to 2009.[82] His early involvement with the national youth setup provided foundational experience in competitive international football, honing his goalkeeping abilities during a formative period in his development. At the under-17 level, Carson received his first call-up in 2004, marking the start of his progression through the youth ranks. He progressed to the under-19 team in the 2006–07 season, where he contributed to qualification efforts for European youth competitions. Carson was called up to the under-21 squad in November 2006 and remained a key figure until 2009, accumulating 15 appearances. Notable matches included a 1–3 victory over Scotland in a friendly on 18 November 2008, where he made a crucial penalty save against Scott Arfield to help secure the win.[83] He also featured in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Romania on 26 March 2008, which ended in a 1–3 defeat at Ballymena Showgrounds.[84] These experiences at the under-21 level, emphasizing shot-stopping and command of the penalty area, were instrumental in building the resilience and technical proficiency that paved the way for his senior international debut in 2018.[82]Senior career
Carson earned his first senior call-up to the Northern Ireland national team in 2010 but did not make his debut until 24 March 2018, when he started in a 2–1 friendly victory over South Korea at Windsor Park, playing the full 90 minutes.[85] This appearance came after years of youth international experience that provided a strong foundation for his senior opportunities. He followed this up with a half-time substitute role in a 0–0 friendly draw against Panama on 30 May 2018 and started the first 73 minutes of a 0–3 friendly loss to Costa Rica three days later.[86][87] Carson also played the first half of a 3–0 friendly win over Israel on 11 September 2018.[88] Carson's early momentum continued into competitive fixtures, where he featured in UEFA Nations League matches, including a full 90-minute appearance in a 1–2 home defeat to Austria on 18 November 2018.[89] However, his progress was interrupted by a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) later that month, sidelining him for much of 2019 and limiting his involvement in Euro 2020 qualifiers.[53] Despite recoveries and squad inclusions, such as for training camps ahead of qualifiers against Estonia and Belarus in June 2019, he did not add to his caps that year.[90] Carson returned to the international fold after a nearly two-year absence, starting the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 away defeat to Norway on 14 October 2020 in the UEFA Nations League, stepping in as an emergency replacement for the injured Bailey Peacock-Farrell.[91] He earned a further start in a 0–1 friendly win over Estonia on 5 September 2021, playing 63 minutes before being substituted.[92] His most recent appearance was a full 90 minutes in a 2–2 draw against Cyprus on 12 June 2022 in the UEFA Nations League.[93] These outings brought his total to eight senior caps, all achieved between 2018 and 2022.[94] Throughout his international career, Carson primarily served as a backup goalkeeper to established first-choice Bailey Peacock-Farrell, appearing in friendlies and select competitive matches when rotation or injuries created opportunities.[95] He has not featured for Northern Ireland since the 2022 Nations League campaign, with subsequent absences attributed to club commitments and competition for places in the squad; as of November 2025, he has earned no additional caps.[96][94]Personal life
Family and relationships
Trevor Carson was born on 5 March 1988 in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, with his family hailing from the nearby Killyleagh area. Growing up in a close-knit household, he was inspired to take up goalkeeping at the age of six by his father and uncles, who had also played the position in local amateur football.[2][97] Carson became a father for the first time in November 2012 with the birth of his daughter from his previous relationship. His second child, a son named Rex Kenneth Carson, was born in July 2018 to his fiancée Rachel Harris. The couple's relationship provided stability during his career transitions, though Carson has spoken about the challenges of balancing professional demands with family life in Newcastle upon Tyne.[98][99][100] Carson's previous relationship ended in separation around 2014–2015 amid personal struggles related to gambling addiction, which he has openly discussed as a low point that strained his relationships. He remains engaged to Rachel, with whom he shares parenting responsibilities for their son, while maintaining a close bond with his daughter from the earlier relationship. Family support has been crucial during his health challenges, helping him navigate recovery and career setbacks.[101][102][103]Health challenges and personal struggles
In 2018, while playing for Motherwell, Trevor Carson was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition involving a blood clot that initially formed in his arm before moving to his lung, raising fears of cancer before being confirmed as non-malignant.[53][104] This injury sidelined him for over 18 months, marking an extended absence from competitive football and requiring careful medical management to prevent complications.[54] Carson made a full recovery by 2020, returning to training and matches, though the ordeal briefly impacted his availability for the club.[105] The prolonged recovery from DVT exacerbated Carson's mental health challenges, leading to periods of anxiety and depression, particularly during times of inactivity and overthinking.[106] In 2020 interviews, he openly discussed how these issues resurfaced amid the COVID-19 lockdown, which delayed his anticipated return to the pitch and intensified feelings of disappointment and a "lazy mindset."[106] Carson emphasized the need to stay mentally active to combat these struggles, noting that past episodes made him vulnerable when left with too much unstructured time.[106] In the summer of 2020, Carson suffered a profound personal loss when his grandmother, Esther, died from COVID-19 at age 75 after an 11-day hospitalization during lockdown.[54] Lockdown restrictions prevented family visits, leaving Carson unable to say goodbye and compounding his grief, especially as Esther had been a close influence and lifelong Glentoran supporter.[54] This tragedy occurred shortly after his DVT recovery, adding emotional strain during an already challenging period.[54] Earlier, in 2016, Carson participated in fundraising efforts for his ex-wife's sister Melanie, who was battling Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder requiring £150,000 for life-saving surgery in the United States.[107][108] Through the "Melanie’s Mission" campaign, Carson helped raise awareness and funds to support her treatment, highlighting his commitment to family health crises amid his own career demands.[107][109] Carson's struggles extended to a gambling addiction that he publicly revealed in April 2023, describing how it began around 2007 and escalated to financial devastation, including losing over his earnings and even his daughter's £200 birthday money.[110][102] The addiction contributed to the breakdown of his marriage and nearly cost him his relationship with his family, leaving him at "rock bottom" with constant deceit to fund bets.[110][111] He sought help through GamCare's Gamblers Anonymous program around 2015, achieving nearly eight years of sobriety by 2023 and crediting it with saving his life and career.[110] Since then, Carson has advocated for greater awareness of gambling risks in football, urging bans on related advertising.[102][111]Career statistics
Club statistics
As of 20 November 2025, Trevor Carson has accumulated 419 appearances in all domestic competitions (league, cup, and playoffs) across his professional club career.[8] The following table provides a breakdown of his domestic appearances, starts, goals against (GA), and clean sheets (CS) by club and season, integrating league, cup, and playoff matches where applicable. Data reflects all verified domestic competitions and is sourced from comprehensive match logs.[8]| Season | Club | Appearances | Starts | Goals Against (GA) | Clean Sheets (CS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2009 | Chesterfield | 18 | 18 | 29 | 2 |
| 2010–2011 | Brentford | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010–2011 | Lincoln City | 16 | 16 | 26 | 4 |
| 2011–2012 | Bury | 17 | 17 | 28 | 4 |
| 2012–2013 | Bury | 39 | 39 | 62 | 7 |
| 2013–2014 | Bury | 5 | 5 | 7 | 2 |
| 2013–2014 | Portsmouth | 36 | 36 | 55 | 10 |
| 2014–2015 | Cheltenham Town | 49 | 49 | 67 | 6 |
| 2015–2016 | Hartlepool United | 36 | 36 | 55 | 9 |
| 2016–2017 | Hartlepool United | 27 | 27 | 33 | 6 |
| 2017–2018 | Motherwell | 33 | 33 | 44 | 10 |
| 2018–2019 | Motherwell | 12 | 12 | 21 | 2 |
| 2019–2020 | Motherwell | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020–2021 | Motherwell | 12 | 12 | 16 | 4 |
| 2021–2022 | Morecambe | 22 | 22 | 39 | 2 |
| 2021–2022 | Dundee United | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 2022–2023 | St Mirren | 37 | 37 | 58 | 10 |
| 2023–2024 | Dundee | 25 | 25 | 46 | 8 |
| 2024–2025 | Dundee | 22 | 22 | 44 | 4 |
| 2025–2026 | Ross County | 8 | 8 | 13 | 2 |
International statistics
Trevor Carson made his senior international debut for Northern Ireland on 24 March 2018, starting in a 2–1 friendly defeat to South Korea at Windsor Park. Over the course of his senior career with the national team, Carson earned 8 caps between 2018 and 2022, all as a starter and completing full 90-minute matches.[27] He kept 3 clean sheets and conceded 9 goals in total, with no goals scored or assists recorded as a goalkeeper.[27] His appearances were divided between international friendlies and UEFA Nations League fixtures, as detailed below.| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Friendlies | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Total | 8 | 3 | 9 |