Manchester City youngster James Trafford says it was a 'no-brainer' to return to Bolton Wanderers for the upcoming season and not head out to the Championship where it might be up in the air how much game time he would get.
The 19-year-old joined Wanderers from City in the January transfer window, after a loan spell at Accrington Stanley came to an end. He proved to be a hit at Ian Evatt's side, as he became the club's number one goalkeeper in the the second half of the campaign in place of Joel Dixon.
He played 22 times for the Whites and kept clean sheets in his first four games, setting a club record in the process. He also notched two assists in League One.
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Talks had been taking place between Pep Guardiola's side and the Whites over a potential return. Trafford has previously said he will leave it to City to decide where the best place to play his football will be next season.
He will be at Wanderers again for the upcoming campaign, with his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium. He has recently signed a long-term fresh deal with City which will tie him down there until the summer of 2027.
And Trafford has opened up on his decision to return to League One side Wanderers, over a move this season to a team in the division above. He is looking forward to a familiar setting and faces at Ian Evatt's side as he feels it is a loan which suits all parties.
Speaking to the News & Star, Trafford said: “There’s never been a No1 in Championship who’s been 19. Managers are quite reluctant to guarantee you games. I didn’t want to go in and have to prove myself and have another Accrington situation where as soon as you have a few bad results you become a scapegoat, because you’re the youngest, a goalie, on loan…you’re really easy to drop.
“It was a no-brainer to come back to Bolton. I really like the manager and the staff. He believes in me, wants me to play on the ball quite high up, which is how I like to play and how I see myself playing. It’s a good fit for all parties.
“It’s gone really well at Bolton. We try and play footy, really similar to how the top teams play. It’s how I’ve been brought up. The coach, Gillo [Matt Gilks], has been really good for me. He’s what I needed – someone who’s just come out of the game, played in the Prem, for his country [Scotland], and his experience of the game helps me.
“I’m at the other end of the spectrum. I’ve played 33 games and haven’t got the experience he has, but I’ve got the ability. But you need more than just ability to get yourself through. His game understanding has helped me a lot. He trains really intensely. That’s the biggest thing I need.
“I just go with the flow. I’ve always just played footy ‘cos I enjoy it.
“I probably got quite serious when I was 15 or 16 and realised how good I was. But even now, if I didn’t still love it I’d just go and work on the farm with my dad.
“I can live off not too much money, unlike some people. I don’t do too much with my money. I spend most of it on food. Ice cream – I love ice cream. With this new contract, I’ll just buy more ice-cream...
“They [City] have shown good faith in me. But I just want to keep enjoying it, whatever happens. I’ve seen lads my age go out on loan or be released and it's not gone their way. After that first kick in the teeth, I’ve seen some who’ve lost the hunger and enjoyment, and stopped working hard."
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