#PLStories- Mark Travers wants more game-time after losing AFC Bournemouth spot #AFCB

Gary O’Neil
Gary O’Neil

Goalkeeper Travers enjoyed a memorable 2021-22 campaign, winning a host of individual awards, including the Daily Echo/Micky Cave player of the year, after playing a key role in the club clinching promotion from the Championship. Republic of Ireland international Travers impressed at Goodison Park, stepping in at late notice after Neto returned to Brazil following a family bereavement.

Reflecting on his season on a personal level, having made 15 appearances,

Mark Travers said: “It’s very tough. You want to be playing every week. Getting that buzz again (at Everton) was great and you want to replicate that every week. But it’s been a massive learning curve, I suppose. A difficult time, the first time sitting on the bench. I’ve been third choice, played last year and then second choice this year. It’s been tough coming in and out, but hopefully I can build on it and go again next year.”

Asked if there is a decision to be made over the summer regarding his future, and whether he may need to go elsewhere for more game-time,

Mark Travers said: “I don’t know, it’s obviously up to the club. But I know I want to play every week and at my age, I don’t want to be not playing. It’s up to them. We’ll see what happens in pre-season and whatever happens, happens. But I’ll come back to Bournemouth fighting, giving 100 per cent and then whatever the decision is, it is.”

Asked last month if there was an argument Travers could do with a loan move next season,

Gary O’Neil said: “We haven’t gone into that yet. There’s a lot of thinking and decisions that will need to be made around a lot of players. No decisions made yet on ins and outs and loans and who needs what. As soon as the season is done, we can start to put some real clear focus into the detail of what’s best for everybody and, firstly, the football club.”