Former Birmingham Keeper Connal Trueman Set for League One Loan Move to Crawley Town
Millwall goalkeeper Connal Trueman is on the verge of a short-term emergency loan move to League One side Crawley Town.
The seven-day loan comes as Crawley finds themselves without their starting goalkeeper, Joe Wollacott, who was called up to represent the Ghanaian national team. The timing is critical for Crawley, who must now navigate fixtures during the international break, including a Football League Trophy clash against AFC Wimbledon and a League One match against Shrewsbury Town.
Unlike the Premier League and Championship, League One clubs do not get a break during international call-ups, and Crawley’s goalkeeper situation became urgent with Wollacott’s departure. Trueman, who currently serves as Millwall’s third-choice keeper, has yet to feature in a competitive match for the Lions but has been on the bench for fixtures against Bristol City and Cardiff City this season.
With this loan, the 28-year-old will look to gain valuable match experience while helping Crawley cover their shortfall between the posts.
Who Is Connal Trueman?
Connal Trueman began his footballing journey at Birmingham City, where he joined the academy in 2007. After progressing through the youth ranks, he signed his first professional contract in 2014. Trueman’s first involvement with Birmingham’s senior squad came as a substitute in October 2014 when he was called upon due to injuries and suspensions, though he didn’t make his debut until later in his career.
Loan spells marked Trueman’s early years at Birmingham to lower-league clubs, including a brief stint at Leamington. During his time at Birmingham, he often found himself as a backup, initially behind goalkeepers Darren Randolph and Tomasz Kuszczak, and later behind David Stockdale and Lee Camp. Despite limited first-team opportunities, Trueman’s most significant breakthrough came in the 2018-19 season when he started Birmingham’s opening two matches in the Championship, including a 2-2 draw against Norwich City. Although he performed admirably, the arrival of Lee Camp relegated him back to a backup role.
Trueman’s career took him on several loan moves, including spells at AFC Wimbledon, Swindon Town, and Oxford United. These stints provided him with valuable game time, although he struggled to establish himself as a first-choice keeper. After 15 years at Birmingham, Trueman was released by the club in 2022 and signed by Millwall, where he currently serves as a backup goalkeeper in the Championship. Despite limited appearances for Millwall, his loan to Crawley presents an opportunity for the 27-year-old to play a vital role in a League One side during a challenging period.
Writer’s View
The emergency loan for Connal Trueman highlights the often frustrating impact of international call-ups on lower-league clubs. Unlike the top two tiers, League One teams like Crawley Town are required to continue playing during international breaks, even when they lose key players, unless they have three or more away on duty.
In this instance, Joe Wollacott’s call-up to Ghana leaves Crawley scrambling to fill a critical position for two crucial games. These scenarios can cause significant disruptions for clubs with smaller squads, as they often lack the depth of their Premier League counterparts.
For Trueman, this loan is a chance to prove his worth and gain valuable first-team minutes. While he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Millwall or during his time at Birmingham, the loan to Crawley offers him the chance to showcase his skills. If he performs well, it could open up more opportunities in League One or even higher. However, Crawley’s immediate need for stability in goal puts pressure on Trueman to deliver solid performances right from the start, making this a crucial test for the former Birmingham City man.
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