When he was a player, Cotterill had a nine-year career, playing for five different clubs. He began his senior career in 1986 with his local team Cheltenham Town. In 1987, he joined Burton Albion. In 1989, he joined Wimbledon and stayed there until 1993. During his time at Wimbledon, in 1992, he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion after he had an injury. In 1993, he joined AFC Bournemouth before retiring in 1996.