James Trafford tries to mask disappointment of Manchester City 'reality' after turning down move to Newcastle United
James Trafford would probably have been Newcastle United's first-choice goalkeeper by now if he'd gone through with his proposed summer move.
The former Burnley man looked practically nailed on to join Newcastle in the summer. The deal had been reported as 'done' long before the window even opened, but in typical Newcastle fashion, they moved slowly, and there were also reports of some ill feeling towards Paul Mitchell, who wasn't content with just pissing off everyone at Newcastle; he'd do it to other clubs too. Ultimately, Trafford took up the option to return to Manchester City.
Little did Trafford know, though, that Pep Guardiola wasn't done looking for goalkeepers and moved to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was given the first-choice spot, reducing Trafford to being the keeper for cup games.
Trafford has been excellent when called upon for City, which just adds salt into the wound for Newcastle fans who have questioned Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale this season.
James Trafford is clearly not happy at Manchester City
James Trafford was asked by the BBC on Saturday (h/t The Shields Gazette) about his role at Man City and the signing of Donnarumma, and while he gave a calm response, you don't need a degree in subtext to read between the lines that he's not happy.
“Yeah, it’s been good. I didn’t expect the situation [with Manchester City signing Donnarumma] to happen but it happened, so just get on with it.
“So it’s happened, so I work very hard every day and see what happens, give it my best shot.
“I tried to guard against this situation [playing only cup games] happening, but it's the reality. It’s football, you’ve got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can. This is just another experience to add to my career and it has been a good learning experience.”
Will it be third time lucky for Newcastle United and James Trafford?
It seems that Trafford hasn't ruled out another move in the summer despite being on a long-term deal at City.
“Who knows, it’s football. Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve obviously got a contract, so I don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.”
Newcastle have been burnt twice now in their pursuit of Trafford, so the question is, will it be third time lucky, or have we finally moved on? I personally hope we try again. He's young and he's already better than what we have, and after this experience, we imagine he'll be even hungrier to prove himself.
