Manchester City goalkeeper explains why he wanted Bolton Wanderers return over Championship loan

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