Trevor Putney began his footballing career at arch-rivals Ipswich Town. He joined them in 1980 when they were one of England's leading sides winning the UEFA Cup the following year. Injuries limited his first team appearances at Portman Road and Trevor made just 103 games in Ipswich blue. In June 1986, he came to Norwich in an exchange for John Deehan. 100 appearances on the Norwich flanks generated 10 goals for himself and many for the Norwich striking partnership of Biggins and Drinkall. He moved to Middlesboro for £300,000 in August 1989 and made 48 appearances for them, scoring once, until he broke his leg in a Zenith Data Systems Cup semi-final tie, In August 1991, he returned south (he is a native of Romford) to join Watford for whom he made 52 appearances, scoring twice. In July 1993, he moved even closer to his birthplace with a transfer to Leyton Orient.

Trevor later coached Ryman League side Romford but has re-located to Spain.