TWIG #40: 13 game goalkeeper ban, golden glove season arrives

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The goalkeeper butterfly effect: How Nicky Weaver Made Modern Manchester City Possible

Callum Turner analyses how one penalty save put Manchester City on a trajectory to stardom.Header image: Manchester City Football, at its best, is a microcosm of life. And like life, it’s full of moments - massive ones, like winning the Champions League or having your first child, and smaller ones, like taking a job you weren’t sure about, or turning up somewhere you almost didn’t go.But what we often forget, as we move through those moments, is how intrinsically linked they all are. Call it a butterfly effect, a golden thread, or some sort of universal inevitability - little things have a habit of becoming big things. Especially in football, where entire trajectories can hinge not on moments that create something new, but on those that simply stop everything from falling apart.Maybe you made a decision that didn’t feel like much at the time. Maybe it just kept things going. And only later did it become clear that it had done more than that.And maybe that 18-year-old from Mansfield Town set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to the rise of a modern footballing superpower. When Nicky Weaver arrived at Manchester City, the club was a long way from the global powerhouse we recognise today. This wasn’t a sleeping giant, but a fallen one. Bruised, battered, and disoriented after being repeatedly kicked down the English football pyramid.Just three years earlier, City had been relegated from the Premier League. Then, in 1998, they dropped into the third tier of English football for the first time in their history. Maine Road, home to title winners and European nights in the 60s, was now hosting fixtures against the likes of Macclesfield Town and York City. The fanbase, however, never faltered. If anything, it hardened. Attendances remained astonishingly high for the level, a mix of stubborn loyalty and a refusal to let the club drift into obscurity. There was gallows humour, and the growing spectre of “typical City” fatalism, but underneath it all, there was belief - or at least the desperate hope that something, anything, might change their trajectory.Joe Royle came in and decided the way out was with the youth. In goal, he placed his faith in a now 20-year-old Nicky Weaver, who didn’t exactly look like the typical saviour of a club in crisis. But over the course of that 1998–99 season, he became just that. Game by game, save by save, he gave City something they hadn’t had in years: reliability. It wasn’t the kind that transforms a team overnight, but it was the kind that stops things getting worse - the kind you can build on. English football has often been defined by chaos and inconsistency, and that only intensifies as you move further down the pyramid, even more so when you wind the clock back to the 90s. Happy Birthday to Nicky Weaver! 🥳💙 pic.twitter.com/Erkzb76eYD— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 2, 2023 Even in that context, Weaver was calm. His 26 clean sheets (a club record at the time) were a foundation. They kept City in games they might otherwise have lost, turned draws into wins, and slowly, almost imperceptibly, shifted the mood around the club.Supporters began to believe again. And that mattered, because the stakes couldn’t have been higher.By the time they reached the 55th game of a gruelling season, the Play-Off final at Wembley, everything hung in the balance. Winning could become the catalyst for climbing back up the leagues. Lose, and risk slipping into something far more permanent.And at the heart of it all was a 20-year-old goalkeeper whose job, all season, had been to stop the worst from happening.Wembley, May 1999. Over 70,000 people were in the ground that day watching a third-tier Play-Off final that, in the broader context of the game, didn’t register as particularly significant at the time. But for Manchester City, this was about direction. About whether this would be as low as it would go, or whether it was just a pitstop along a further slide into the abyss.For most of the afternoon, it looked like the latter.City were slipping. Two goals down, time running out, and that creeping sense in the stands that this was how it was always going to go.“Typical City.”When Kevin Horlock scored in the 90th minute, it didn’t feel like a turning point. This was long before last-minute belief became part of the club’s identity. There was hope, but it didn’t outweigh the sense of resignation.Then, in stoppage time, the ball dropped into the box awkwardly, unpredictably - the way it always seems to in these situations. It bounced, it hung just long enough, and Paul Dickov reacted.2–2.That’s the moment that lives on in most people's memories. The highlight that gets replayed whenever this game is mentioned. The knee slide celebration on all the photographs. And understandably so. Without it, there is nothing that follows.But it didn’t decide anything.Extra time passed in that familiar, suspended state, not football in the conventional sense but 30 minutes of extended, agonising tension. And then penalties.Five each. No rhythm, no momentum, just a sequence of moments placed side by side, each one heavier than the last.Gillingham stepped up first. Then City. Back and forth, each kick narrowing the margins, each one carrying a little more weight.Then Weaver intervenes.This celebration from Nicky Weaver!! 🤣👏What is your favourite play-off moment?— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 17, 2023 He saves one. Then another. That’s all it takes. They take the shootout 3–1, and just like that, what had been slipping away all afternoon is dragged back.Teammates pile on top of him, the crowd spills over itself, and,City are going up.At the time, it didn’t feel like the beginning of anything, just a moment of success to savour following difficult years. Because that’s often how football works. It isn’t always defined by the moments that start something new. More often, it’s shaped by the ones that prevent something from ending. And that’s the role of a goalkeeper, more than anything else - not to create the final product, but to create something to build on. What followed wasn’t immediate, and it wasn’t linear. There were still setbacks, still seasons spent finding their level again, still reminders that nothing in football moves in a straight line for long. But City were moving. Within a year they were back in the First Division, two years later in the Premier League, and less than a decade on, new ownership would arrive and alter the scale of everything that followed. It’s easy now to draw a golden thread through all of it, to connect that save at Wembley directly to league titles, to Champions League nights, to everything City would become.But football doesn’t really work like that. What it does have are moments that quietly decide which direction a club moves in next.This was one of them.If that penalty goes in, maybe City still come back. But just as often, they don’t. Clubs stall. They drift. They slip into obscurity.City didn’t.And somewhere in that, there’s a 20-year-old goalkeeper from Mansfield Town, signed without much noise in 1997, who spent a season doing the unremarkable things well enough to stop everything slipping away, until one moment asked for something more.He made a save.At the time, it felt like survival.Years later, it looks like something else entirely.

Callum Turner

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The Week in Goalkeeping 39: Bizarre goalkeeper outburst, Woodman's Anfield milestone, Kinsky wins plaudits, and more

The top goalkeeper news stories from 19th April - 26th April 2026.Real Zaragoza goalkeeper apologises after outburstPerhaps the strangest story of the weekend comes from Spain. Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing serious disciplinary action following an extraordinary sequence of events in a heated Segunda División derby against SD Huesca. The Argentine received a second yellow card for pushing a Huesca player in stoppage time, but rather than leave the pitch, he sprinted towards Huesca captain Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face. The incident sparked a brawl, with Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende also being sent off. Huesca won the match 1–0 thanks to an Óscar Sielva goal, though both sides remain in the relegation zone with five games to play.Declaraciones de Esteban Andrada pic.twitter.com/OYeQujPs2k— Real Zaragoza (@RealZaragoza) April 26, 2026 Andrada, 35, who has four caps for Argentina and is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club Monterrey, subsequently issued a public apology, admitting he 'lost focus' and would accept whatever punishment the league sees fit. Zarazgoa Head coach David Navarro simply stated 'There are lines we can't cross.'Freddie Woodman starts first game of the seasonAfter Giorgi Mamardashvili suffered an injury blow in the Merseyside derby and Alisson Becker continues to recover from a muscle injury, Freddie Woodman started his first Premier League game at Anfield, and made his first Premier League start for Liverpool. The former Newcastle United and Preston North End goalkeeper made several key saves in front of the Anfield faithful and helped secure all three important points in Liverpool's pursuit of Champions League football. Come on, Freddie, don’t be shy 😆👏🏽🧤 pic.twitter.com/fzXEAvQ7N9— Goalkeeper.com (@goalkeepercom) April 25, 2026 Following the match, Woodman explained how 'it was an incredible moment for me. I didn't think I would play at Anfield in a Premier League game when I joined this club.'Antonín Kinský keeps clean sheet as Spurs grab winTottenham Hotspur travelled to Molineux on the weekend in pursuit of their first Premier League win of the calendar year. Spurs went into the game on a 15-game winless streak, leaving them lingering in the relegation zone. Antonín Kinský started in goal after featuring in the previous two matches. The Czech goalkeeper made two saves, one of which was a last-minute free kick aimed for the top right corner. His vital contributions helped Spurs win the game 1–0, ending their miserable run without a victory.Antonin Kinsky is your Player of the Match following his 🔝 performance and clean sheet against Wolves 👏📈 @HSBCSport pic.twitter.com/7wQzjpKkTg— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 26, 2026 Arsenal keep clean sheet as Raya edges towards awardArsenal hosted Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium last night in their push for the title. The Gunners managed to hold on for a 1–0 win, giving David Raya his 16th Premier League clean sheet of the season. The Spaniard is now three clean sheets ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma as he looks to claim his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove. Will Raya retain his title as the best goalkeeper in the league?James Trafford says this season has been a 'big learning experience'Yesterday, James Trafford made his second Wembley appearance of the season as Manchester City beat Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final. Minutes have been hard to come by for the talented English goalkeeper this season following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Manchester City academy graduate said in a recent interview that this season has been a "big learning experience" and that his return to the club "hasn't been the best possible outcome." That being said, and despite his struggles earlier in the year, he could still end the season with a domestic treble in which he would have played a significant role."It has obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven't played too much and obviously I had a decision to make in the summer," Trafford told BBC Sport. "Everyone always thinks when you make decisions [for] the best possible outcome and obviously it hasn't been the best possible outcome, but I have just tried to either improve every day and just try and stay positive, try and stay happy. "Because throughout the year it has been such a big learning experience so the main thing I didn't want is for it to impact your general happiness and your general feeling. I have had to learn a lot throughout the year and I have just tried to work as hard as I can and try and improve and win the day."Brighton explore new goalkeeper optionWith Bart Verbruggen potentially leaving Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, the club may be looking to sign a new goalkeeper ahead of next season. They, along with several other clubs, have been linked with Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg. The German has an good Bundesliga record, becoming the only goalkeeper in the competition's history to save five consecutive penalties. However, James Trafford is also reportedly on Brighton's list - and Carl Rushworth, recently winning promotion to the top flight with his loan side Coventry City, is also an option. 

Harry Salkeld

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Filip Marschall Interview: the Stevenage goalkeeper reaping Play-Off push rewards after leaving Premier League

Leaving a club that you’ve been with since the age of 14 is a big step for any player, yet Stevenage's Filip Marschall is already reaping the rewards of doing just that.Now 22 years old, Marschall progressed through Aston Villa’s academy, going on to win the FA Youth Cup before making an “unforgettable” first-team appearance in front of a “hostile” crowd at HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.He also went out on two loans to Gateshead, where he learned about “being accepted into a team” before temporarily joining MK Dons and Crewe Alexandra. The last of those loans was particularly impressive, as he kept League Two’s joint-third highest tally of clean sheets for the season with 16.Those loans are what Marschall feels were the most important part of his development. “I probably wasn't as good as other goalies my age at that time, when I was around 18, but one thing I'm really thankful for was Villa pushed me to go out on loan,” he tells Goalkeeper.com.“By the time I was 19, 20, 21 I'd had so many games under my belt, been in changing rooms with experienced players, knew what three points meant, fought for things, had a promotion,” he continues. “I think there are a lot of goalies that are a similar level technically across the country, but when it comes to playing those matches, the main thing is what's in your head and I definitely think the experiences I've had have helped me in that regard.”While on loan, Marschall also realised early on that “defending the box and being dominant in the box” was a strength of his. In addition to further building on that area of his game, he also had to work on kicking the ball long from his hands “because it wasn't something I was really used to doing at an academy level”, while also making sure he could meet the demands physically and with his concentration.That all stood him in good stead to make a permanent move from Villa Park to Stevenage in the summer. While admitting there were “mixed feelings” due to the amount of time he had been with the Villans, there was a realisation “that if I was to play in League One and higher, it would have to be a permanent move”.“I was ready to find a new home and not have that comfort of a Premier League giant behind me that I always had there", recalls Marschall."It was time to make a step I was ready for. I was ready to find a new home, ready to take that risk.”Top start 💪🏼⚪️🔴 @StevenageFC pic.twitter.com/zSI91hrpqs— Filip Marschall (@filipmarschall) September 3, 2025 Despite Marschall having conversations with other clubs, Alex Revell’s influence ensured he joined The Boro. “Within five minutes, I knew I was going to sign for Stevenage because of the confidence he seemed to have in me, what he was telling me about the club, about the team, what he sees for me personally as well,” the young goalkeeper explains.Revell’s confidence in his team and new goalkeeper has proven to be well-placed. At the time of writing, Stevenage occupy the final Play-Off spot with two games to play, sitting a point ahead of seventh-placed Luton Town, with Marschall recording a joint-league high tally of 18 clean sheets that even the man himself admits is “an incredible amount”.The possibility of beating Lincoln City’s George Wickens to the Golden Glove “springs to mind” now, despite not being something that he thought about earlier in the season. “The most important thing is the team, but if I do my job and hopefully keep clean sheets then obviously the team's results take care of themselves as well,” he says.The Stevenage goalkeeper also gives credit to his teammates and specifically the defence, which includes League One Team of the Season’s Charlie Goode, when referencing the club’s impressive defensive record. “We understand each other, we're on the same page with regards to how we play. If we've got a high line, they know I'll be behind them trying to sweep up. Likewise, if there's crosses going in the box we know where each other are,” he says. “I've got an incredible set of defenders in front of me, and as the season has gone on we've grown more and more as a unit, understood each other more, and we're obviously much better for it as the results have shown.”On a personal level, Marschall could also be enjoying the benefits of turning out for a club he is permanently contracted to. He shares that it can carry more of a “homely feel” than being out on loan, adding “Maybe it helps with the fans as well, because you are their player. I suppose it helps you feel more settled, which then gives you a bit more confidence and makes you feel at home, which then translates to better performances on the pitch and being consistent.”While the goalkeeper suggests his season has been more about achieving a “consistent good level” than highlight moments, he is able to pick out the sort of performances that have endeared him to Stevenage’s supporters. The 22-year-old rather modestly states that he felt he “contributed to” a 1-0 win over Bradford City having made two superb saves to deny headers. He also references home matches against Luton and Exeter City as “big wins for us that I felt I did well in”. There was also a penalty save against Jordan Clark at Kenilworth Road, but Marschall says “it's hard to put that as a real highlight” due to the game resulting in a defeat.Filip. Marschall. pic.twitter.com/FzyH52abdU— Aidan (@acheevers6) April 11, 2026 Even with those mentions, there is little time to dwell on past games due to the EFL’s relentless schedule at this time of year. That was evidenced in the space of a week recently, as Stevenage’s heaviest defeat of the season was followed by a draw against a Lincoln side confirmed as champions, then a clean sheet and victory against Barnsley.“We love the games coming really quickly,” Marschall admits. “There's nothing worse than just waiting and thinking about the previous result. Whether it's good or bad, you just want to play the next game.”Stevenage will be doing just that as they travel to Doncaster Rovers before hosting Wigan Athletic on the final day, with a Play-Off place in their own hands.Marschall enthuses that “it’s been incredible” being involved in his side’s push for the top six. “Not many people would have had us up there at the start of the season, which makes it better, in a way,” he continues. “That's what you play football for, to play these kinds of seasons where you're all fighting for something. Each game is exciting. Each game feels really big. This is what you want to be a part of.”While some could already be thinking about the prospect of promotion, the Stevenage goalkeeper's thoughts are firmly set on qualifying for the Play-Offs, as “that in itself would be an amazing achievement”.Although he adds: “Obviously we want to go all the way. There's a lot of belief in our changing room, in the club, that we can do it. So that's going to be the aim. It would mean everything. It's my first season in League One, to potentially get the play-offs and the chance to go up if that was to happen, I couldn't ask for much more.” As the man himself puts it: “I don't think it could be understated how big an achievement that would be.”

Danny Lewis

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Transfer rumours: James Trafford reportedly open to leaving Manchester City this summer

Sky's Florian Plettenburg reports that the English goalkeeper is high on Brighton's list, should Bart Verbruggen leave.23 year old Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is open to leaving the club this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg. The 23-year-old is considering his options ahead of the summer window, even though Manchester City would prefer to retain him as part of their long-term plans. CaughtOffside The problem is simple: with Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly established as first choice, Tafford's game time is limited. Football TodayTrafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley for £27 million in July 2025, having initially been led to believe he would be number one. Donnarumma's arrival from PSG on deadline day changed the landscape of the goalkeeper department, with Trafford restricted largely to cup action since the opening three Premier League games of the season.🚨EXCL | James Trafford is open to leaving Manchester City this summer in order to play regularly. MCFC want to keep him. For Brighton, he is one of the dream transfer targets should Bart Verbruggen leave the club. Other high-ranking candidates include Robin Risser (RC Lens)… pic.twitter.com/FXvmGWDqUv— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 21, 2026 To his credit, Trafford has made those appearances count. He saved a penalty from Mohamed Salah in City's 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool, and was also impressive in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal at Wembley.The queue of admirers is already forming. Richard Martin of GOAL has reported that Liverpool and Chelsea - along with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle - have expressed their interest in signing Trafford. Plettenburg has reported that Brighton consider Trafford a 'dream target' if Bart Verbruggen departs. Football Today Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is known to be a long-standing admirer, with the Magpies' interest in Trafford well documented.For a goalkeeper of Trafford's calibre and age, the move would likely make sense. The man widely touted to be England's next number one needs to be playing every week, not waiting in the wings behind one of Europe's elite. It waits to be seen whether he'll get that chance this summer. 

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The Week In Goalkeeping 40: a 13-game goalkeeper ban, and golden glove season arrives

The top goalkeeper news stories from 26th April - 3rd May 2026.

German legend set to sign new contract

Liverpool to step into the goalkeeper transfer market?

Goalkeeper banned for 13 games following bizarre incident

Manchester United set to sign another goalkeeper?

Carl Rushworth wins Championship golden glove

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The goalkeeper butterfly effect: How Nicky Weaver Made Modern Manchester City Possible

The Week in Goalkeeping 39: Bizarre goalkeeper outburst, Woodman's Anfield milestone, Kinsky wins plaudits, and more

Filip Marschall Interview: the Stevenage goalkeeper reaping Play-Off push rewards after leaving Premier League

Transfer rumours: James Trafford reportedly open to leaving Manchester City this summer