MARTIN FINALLY LANDS HIS MAN!
SWANS boss Russell Martin has wanted new signing Nathan Wood for the past two years. Martin tried to sign the Middlesbrough man during his time at MK Dons and the head coach is now delighted to be able to work with the 20-year-old.
He pointed to Wood’s athleticism and physical nature as key traits, something Swansea have missed at the back at times.
“Nathan is a player I have wanted for two years now, I have been close to signing him a few times when I was at MK Dons,” said Martin. “So, to actually have him here is great and I think he will add a lot to us in terms of his athleticism, and he brings a huge hunger and desire to play games.”
Hot on the heels of announcing their first signing of the season, Swansea quickly revealed their second capture of the summer.
After getting Wood through the door, Swansea have also added defender Wasiri Williams to their squad on an initial one-year contract. Coming from non-league, 22-year-old centre-back Williams is likely to feature for the under-23s initially.
Williams has taken a different path to professional football, working with kids as a youth delivery officer at Reaching Higher, a charity that supports young people aged 11-21 by teaching them transferable skills. His journey has been a noble one.
After a trial at the end of last season, WIlliams says he can’t wait to get started. “From the first week I arrived I realised that the football was very different and it suits me so well because that’s one of my key attributes; being able to play,” he said.
“I’m creative, I love a tackle and I enjoy defending, I love it.
Meanwhile Cardiff City’s Aden Flint looks set to sign for Stoke City. On Friday, Flint was officially released by the Bluebirds as Cardiff published their retained list of next season.
Flint had already said on social media that he would be leaving the club this summer. He wrote on Instagram: “My time at @cardiffcityfc has come to an end. First of all it’s been a privilege to play and score goals for this club. There’s been many highs and lows during my 3 years, but the memory that will last with me forever, is scoring against them lot down the m4!
“To captain the club on many occasions is a huge honour for me.
I’ve met some fantastic people and made some friends for life. Finally want to say a big thank you to the bluebirds fans, your support has been amazing and wish both you and the club every success in the future.”
StokeLive report Flint will become Michael O’Neill’s first signing of the summer and follows the departure of James Chester and return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Manchester City. The Potters look to have pipped Derby County to the deal, with the Rams also keen on the 32-year-old.
League One club Derby County have entered the race to sign Marlon Pack.
Bristol City, Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town were seen as the frontrunners for the midfielder, whose contract has expired at Cardiff City Stadium. Reports on the south coast now state the Rams are in the running for the former Robin.