Done Deal: Bolton sign Manchester City ‘keeper Trafford

Bolton Wanderers have made their fourth signing of the January transfer window, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford joining on loan until the end of the season.

Upon his arrival, manager Ian Evatt told the official site:

“I’ve seen James play a fair bit and watched him play for England a few times.

“With Chris Markham (Wanderers’ Technical Performance Director) coming from the FA we know people who have done a lot of work with James and how highly thought of he is within the England group and with Manchester City.

“We’re very lucky to have him and for Manchester City trusting us with him and we think he’ll make a difference to us.

“He’s only young but he’s a real leader, a big boy, an aggressive boy and we’re fortunate to have him in the building to help us until the end of the season.”

James, capped at U20 level for England, spent the first half of the season on loan with fellow League One side Accrington Stanley. He played eleven times in the league, though has been on the bench in recent weeks.

Wanderers had been in the market for a new goalkeeper to act as competition to Joel Dixon, after Matt Gilks decided to return to the role of Goalkeeping Coach. Luke Hutchinson has also returned to the club following a spell on loan with Atherton Colls.