Trafford: I'm Here To Help

James Trafford is ready to help a Wanderers’ revival after signing up for the rest of the season.

The goalkeeper has swapped Manchester City for the Whites for the remainder of the campaign after ending a loan spell at Accrington Stanley.

Wanderers were quick to secure a loan deal of their own for the highly-regarded 19-year-old who has made it as far as the bench at first team level for Premier League champions City.

Trafford has also been capped by England at up to Under-20 level.

And he is now keen to keep furthering his education with Ian Evatt’s men and challenge Joel Dixon for a starting spot.

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“Manchester City has probably been the best place for me to come up through the age groups and learn with all the goalie staff every day and the team,” said Trafford, who joined City’s Academy at the age of 12.

“It’s just a great environment to be around which puts us all in good stead.

“It (the first team) is a lot different from the Academy set-up. I experienced a lot of the first-team and it’s prepared me really well for making the step into League One.

“Going into Accrington for the first part of the season I learned so much from July to earlier this week.

“I learned loads about the league and loads about men’s football and enjoyed every moment and it’s given me great experience to come to Bolton and do well.

“I’ve come here to help. The vibe is good is good around the staff and around the lads so it won’t be long until, hopefully, we start picking up points and doing well.”

As well as sitting on the bench at Premier League level, Trafford has also been part of EFL Cup and Champions League squads under City boss Pep Guardiola.

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He has also played Papa John’s EFL Trophy football for City and experienced life in League One with 11 appearances for Stanley earlier this season.

And he has already enjoyed a positive impression of life with Wanderers after training for the first time on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s visit of Ipswich Town when Evatt’s men will be looking to end their four-game losing league run.

“I loved every minute of the session with the goallie union, with everyone, and really enjoyed it,” added Trafford, who becomes Wanderers' fourth new arrival of the January transfer window.

“I’m excited to be here. I spoke to the gaffer, spoke to everyone and I’m really excited. The club suits me, the club fits me.

“I’m learning every day. I’ve experienced a lot so far from being young and I just want to keep experiencing everything and I feel this is the right step for me at this time.

“I just want to push Joel, Luke (Hutchinson), Matty (Alexander) and push each other every day and get better and see where it takes us.”

Watch the first interview at Wanderers with James HERE

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