Man City prospect outlines how League One loan has 'moulded' career as hint on future given

Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford believes his time out on loan at Bolton Wanderers has helped to mould him into the player he is now ahead of a summer return.

The 20-year-old has spent the past 18 months at the League One club, getting valuable experience under his belt. He joined Ian Evatt's side initially in January 2022, helping Wanderers to a ninth-placed finish in their first season back in the third tier of English football.

Trafford, having signed a new long-term deal at City, returned to Bolton for another campaign on loan. It has proved to be a successful one for both player and his loan club, with Trafford continuing as the number one goalkeeper and helping Bolton reach the League One play-offs, as well as claiming silverware with the Papa John's Trophy.

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Trafford's time at Bolton will soon be coming to an end as he has already confirmed he will not be returning to the club next season for a third spell. Wanderers boss Evatt said earlier this year that he believes Trafford will be fighting it out for the number two spot a Pep Guardiola's side.

Trafford admits he will leave Bolton with plenty of 'fond memories' and has vowed to return to watch Wanderers, should he be local next season and his anticipated place back at City come to fruition. He believes his spell at Bolton has helped to mould him to the player he is now and, following their 1-1 first leg semi-final draw against Barnsley, is fully focused on helping his loan club into the final and the potential of reaching the Championship.

Speaking to Bolton's YouTube channel, Trafford said: "I'll got with a lot of fond memories and hopefully I'm