CONNAL Trueman was glad of the chance to put things right after returning to League One Crawley Town on a second emergency goalkeeper loan this month.
Trueman’s first spell didn’t exactly go to plan after the side lost both of his games at home, 4-3 to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy and 5-3 to Shrewsbury Town in the league.
But after his second coming, he kept a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Burton Albion and helped Rob Elliot’s side to a point with their 2-2 draw against Huddersfield Town at Broadfield Stadium on Saturday.
Trueman, 28, is yet to make his debut for Millwall after joining as a third-choice goalkeeper in the summer of 2022.
“It was a no-brainer for me. I really enjoyed coming last time,” Trueman said. “Obviously, we didn’t have the results that we would have liked and we conceded too many goals. I wanted to come back and sort of put that right. That didn’t sit right with me, leaving it like that. So I was glad I got the opportunity to come back and and go at it again.
“Obviously we’ve got the clean sheet the other night and a better performance and result today. I’m buzzing to be back. It’s a really good changing room and a great set of lads there, but it’s as difficult as it is for me as it is for them, to have someone that they don’t know just all of a sudden come in and play, and they’ve welcomed me in really well.”
Crawley fans have their own chant for their temporary goalkeeper.
Trueman said: “I’ve heard the Trueman shouts, and it has made me smile a little bit. It gives me a bit of a buzz and they’ve been really good with me. It’s a weird situation for everyone when I, come in last minute and get chucked in, and they’ve been great. They’ve talked to me, and I’ve really appreciated the support.”
Trueman’s current boss, former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot, took over in October after leading Gateshead to sixth in the National League last season.
“First and foremost he is just a really good guy, he helped me settle, made me feel welcome straight away, and made me feel wanted so I really appreciate that,” Trueman said. “He was a goalkeeper at the top level so I’m trying to pick his brain as much as possible and get hints and tips all along the way, and then hopefully get to make myself better as much as I can.”
