Not playing at Man City 'horrendous' - Trafford

James Trafford says not playing for Manchester City last season was “horrendous” before he moved to Leeds United in the summer in search of first-team football.

City re-signed academy graduate Trafford in July 2025, two years after he had left the club to join Championship side Burnley.

But less than six weeks after his arrival, Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris St-Germain.

The 27-year-old, who helped the French club win the Champions League just weeks earlier, immediately became City’s first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Trafford short of playing time.

After starting the first three matches of the campaign, 24-year-old Trafford made just one further Premier League start in the 35 games that followed Donnarumma’s arrival.

Speaking on Football Daily’s The Football Interview, Trafford reflected on the difficulties he encountered during a season on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

“What a horrendous, horrendous feeling. Not playing,” said Trafford.

“You are ringing a lot of people and just venting. Like most people, you have a [bad] day at work and you ring someone up.

“I ring my dad, I ring my mum, I ring my missus, I ring my mates. I like ringing my mates and we can just have a good talk about it all. It’s quite funny.

“I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing. You just lose yourself not playing.

“Maybe I’m different, I don’t know, but the feeling of not playing every week, it felt horrendous.

“I just had to play every week this season for that mental feel-good and to keep progressing with my career and edging me closer to achieving the dreams I want to achieve.”

Despite his limited playing time, Trafford believes he still gained plenty from his final season at City, having helped the club win the League Cup and FA Cup after starting both finals at Wembley.

“Going into any season, I always have the highest of hopes and always the belief that it will go the best way it could,” he added.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t win all four trophies. It didn’t go how I expected it to go, but it happens.

“In the moment, I just tried to make the best of it as I could. Looking back, I don’t think it was a disappointing season in the end because I learned so much, I improved so much and I won two trophies in one year.

“There were moments when I was very down, regretting things and feeling disappointed, but looking back, I’m very thankful for the experience. What an incredible year.”

Trafford was part of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup and, although he did not get game time, being part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad was an “incredible experience” that he says he will not forget.

“I didn’t play, but it is what it is,” said Trafford. “I didn’t expect to play when I got called up. I knew what my role was, but you just take as much experience as possible, learn from it and keep trying to win the day, because the more days you win, the better position you’re in.”

Next time around, though, Trafford hopes to be England’s starting goalkeeper and believes that if he continues his impressive performances with Leeds, that ambition is entirely achievable.

“It’s my aim and it’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” said Trafford.

“I always believe that one day I could be. Every day I try to keep improving to put myself in the best position to be England’s number one one day.

“I think everyone in the goalkeeping department with the national team wants to be number one because it’s an amazing position to be in.”

After returning from the World Cup, Trafford left City to join Leeds United in a deal worth up to £45m - a record for a British goalkeeper.

Since arriving at Elland Road, he has relished the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League.

The former Bolton Wanderers and Accrington Stanley loanee has started all nine of Leeds’ Premier League matches this season, keeping three clean sheets, with only Brighton (seven) and Arsenal (five) having conceded fewer goals than Daniel Farke’s side (eight).

His performances have helped Leeds to 12th in the table before this weekend’s fixtures - just two points off the European places - and he says the club are only going to get better.

“I just think it’s an incredible club,” he said. “You look at the fanbase, everyone here - it’s an incredible place. It’s just somewhere that’s only going and getting better.

“We’d love to get back into Europe. I think every club you ask would like to get into Europe, so the main goal is just to keep on improving.”

Aldershot bolster defence with Robinson signing

Josh Robinson represented England at under-18s level, winning one cap against Russia

Aldershot have signed former Arsenal academy defender Josh Robinson on a permanent contract.

The 21-year-old right-back, who started against Ipswich Under-21s on Tuesday in the National League Cup, has been added to the squad in time for Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at Barnsley.

Robinson had spells with Wigan Athletic and Kidderminster Harriers after leaving Arsenal.

“He’s been training with us for a few weeks now and has really impressed myself and the staff,” said Aldershot manager Scott Davies.

England 'disappointment' fuels Dewsbury-Hall's Everton heroics

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall let his performance do all the talking at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday night.

The Everton midfielder endured a disappointing start to his matchday preparations just hours earlier after learning that, despite his impressive performances in recent weeks, he had been overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel for this month’s Nations League fixtures.

It was a setback for the 28-year-old, who was tipped to earn a place in Tuchel’s latest squad but was ultimately left out, with Borussia Dortmund teenager Jobe Bellingham selected instead.

By the end of the night, though, Dewsbury-Hall had every reason to smile.

The midfielder was celebrating alongside the Everton faithful after his thunderous strike helped the Blues to a comeback victory over Coventry City, securing an impressive 3-1 win and lifting them to fifth in the Premier League table.

“It was a disappointing morning, I’m not going to lie. It’s a massive dream of mine to play for my country. I know I was close,” Dewsbury-Hall told Sky Sports after Everton made it back-to-back Premier League wins.

“[I’m] sad, yeah, but really proud of myself and how I have reacted. All I can keep doing is putting in good performances and hopefully one day I get the nod, because I’m never going to give up.”

The wait until the next international break in March will undoubtedly feel like an eternity for Dewsbury-Hall.

But the Everton midfielder is no stranger to taking the long road to success, having experienced plenty of setbacks and detours throughout his career.

He did not make his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City until the age of 22, having spent previous seasons gaining valuable experience out on loan in the English Football League with Luton Town and Blackpool.

Even when his opportunity to establish himself in the Foxes’ first team finally arrived, it came during a turbulent period for the club, which ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League at the end of the following season.

After playing a starring role in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign under Enzo Maresca, the midfielder soon followed the Italian to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30m.

However, Dewsbury-Hall struggled for regular game time during his only season at Chelsea, featuring mainly in cup competitions with limited opportunities in the Premier League.

It was only after his move to Everton last summer, at the age of 26, that he appeared to have finally found the right environment to reignite his career and showcase the qualities that made him once such a highly regarded attacking midfielder.

Since the start of last season, Dewsbury-Hall has scored 11 goals for Everton in the Premier League and provided seven assists.

“I’m really, really enjoying it,” said Dewsbury-Hall. “I’ve got a really good hybrid role in this team, where the gaffer is giving me the freedom to pop up all over the pitch.”

Tuchel said on Friday afternoon that Dewsbury-Hall had been “very close” to earning a place in his squad, having enjoyed “a very good season” with Everton so far.

“I’ve got the mentality,” added Dewsbury-Hall. “I’ll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens.”

It was not just Dewsbury-Hall who caught the eye against Coventry, with Thierno Barry scoring twice in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half to help Everton come from behind.

By taking his tally for the season into double figures across all competitions, the 24-year-old - who struggled for both form and confidence after joining the Blues from Spanish side Villarreal last summer - has already surpassed the eight goals he scored last season.

In fact, only Erling Haaland, with 14 goals, has scored more in all competitions than Barry’s 10 this campaign for David Moyes’ side.

Not only is the French forward lighting up Hill Dickinson Stadium with his goals, he is also setting the place alight with his dance moves.

Barry has made a habit of celebrating every goal with some kind of viral dance move - and that was certainly the case on Friday night.

“I was on TikTok yesterday and I saw an NFL guy do the celebration. I said to Tyrique [George] that if we scored tomorrow, we would do the dance like that, but I think he was shy to do it, so I did the dance alone,” Barry told Match of the Day.

The former Basel and Villarreal frontman is also drawing inspiration from Haaland as he looks to maintain his impressive goalscoring form.

“I’m very happy because I’m a fan of him,” said Barry. “I watch a lot of videos of him and try and do the things he does. If I can play with him until the end to get the Golden Boot, I will try.”

Earlier in the night, Moyes equaled Harry Catterick’s record for the most games as Everton manager - with 592 matches each.

The late Catterick managed the Toffees from 1961 to 1973.

“I am proud,” Moyes said in Everton’s match programme.

“The thought of being the Everton manager who has managed the most games is something I’m very proud of.

“Everton has been huge for me and my family. My son David has gone everywhere and my father has lived it with us as well, watching it all.

“That’s so important. What is also so important is that I’ll always try to do the right thing for Everton Football Club.”

Preston sign ex-Charlton captain Docherty

Preston North End have signed midfielder Greg Docherty on a deal until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old began his career with Hamilton Academical before moving to Rangers in 2018.

From there he joined Hull City two years later and made over 100 appearances and won promotion from League One, an achievement he repeated after signing for Charlton Athletic, where he was also captain.

“I’ve always loved the idea of playing for Preston North End and I love Deepdale as a stadium too,” he said.

“I found it extremely tough playing here as an opposition player, so I’m glad to be on the other side now.

“I’ve had a really good feeling when speaking to the manager and when I see how passionate he is about turning this situation around, it gives me so much excitement to try and help change it too.”

Docherty, who has been without a club since leaving Charlton in September following the summer transfer window, has spent the past couple of weeks training with Graham Alexander’s side and has played for North End’s Under-21s.

“We’re really pleased to bring Greg in. He’s been a captain, won promotions and knows the game inside out,” Alexander added.

“Greg’s vocal, fit and motivated, which are all the key things you look for in a professional footballer.”

'A void that is impossible to fill' - tributes paid at De Miguel funeral

Jesus de Miguel’s funeral took place in the town of Navahermosa in Spain on Thursday.

Jesus de Miguel’s family said “the mark he has left on so many people” was something they would always remember as the footballer’s funeral took place on Thursday.

The Tenerife forward, who was 30, died after suffering a serious injury during a Spanish second division match on Monday.

After colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, De Miguel lay motionless on the pitch while being treated by medical staff and was taken to hospital, where he died at 07:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Owono was sent off for the challenge and the game was abandoned.

De Miguel’s funeral was held in his parents’ hometown of Navahermosa, Toledo, about 125km from the Spanish capital Madrid.

His Tenerife team-mates carried his coffin before the service at San Miguel Arcangel.

Current Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was among the mourners, along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and former Real and Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho.

De Miguel’s agent, Manuel Hernandez, issued a statement on behalf of the family, which read: “Thank you for loving him, for remembering him and for being with us.

“We cannot find enough words to thank you for every message, every phone call and every gesture of affection we are receiving.

“Feeling such affection for Jesus and seeing the mark he has left on so many people is something we will always carry with us.

“Jesus leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also cherished memories for all of us who were fortunate enough to share our lives with him.”

Tributes have been paid to De Miguel, who joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025, with a minute’s silence being held at all games in European competitions this week.

In a statement issued by his club Andorra on Wednesday, goalkeeper Owono said he was experiencing “the most difficult days of my life”.

“I feel enormous pain over the loss of Jesus,” he added. “I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him.”

The family also asked “with the utmost respect, that our privacy - and that of everyone who is supporting us at this time - be respected”.

In the hours after the death was announced, mourners laid flowers and lit candles beneath a black and white image of De Miguel at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez - the stadium on the island of Tenerife, where Monday’s game took place.

“We need to grieve in the peace and quiet that this situation demands,” the statement added.

“We appreciate the affection, concern and expressions of support that his loss is inspiring, and we are deeply grateful to you all.”

The Spanish footballers’ union, the AFE, made a request on Thursday for all this weekend’s matches to be postponed out of respect for De Miguel.

Tenerife’s match at Granada and Andorra’s game against Mallorca have already been postponed, as were several midweek cup fixtures.

However, all Spanish sides in European competition have played their games this week.

The AFE said of the weekend games: “The footballers have expressed their deep sorrow for this loss and do not believe that there are the psychological and humane conditions necessary for the competition to be played in normal circumstances.”

The union said its members “in every category” believed “unanimously” that the matches should not be played.