Football I wanted to work with Cooper again - Walsh
The belief he was putting in me, and the fact he has known me from a young age helped me a lot. He knows the type of player I am
LIAM Walsh admits the chance to work with Steve Cooper again and the way Korey Smith sold the club helped convince him Swansea City should be his next club following his release from Bristol City.
Walsh left the Robins last week following the expiry of his contract at Ashton Gate, after three years of exceptional promise but precious game-time amid continual injury problems.
The 23-year-old had interest across the Championship, including Coventry City where he excelled on loan in 2019-20, but in his first interview since signing for the Swans he claims they were always his first choice.
Walsh has previously worked under Swansea head coach Steve Cooper at England youth level, and obviously knows Robins legend Smith following their time together in BS3.
“It’s been a long summer for me, especially after the way last season went. But everything the gaffer said to me (about Swansea) was exactly what I wanted in a club, and I cannot wait to play in front of the fans at the stadium,” said Walsh.
“I also knew a few of the lads here and they had nothing but good things to say, but I spoke with the gaffer more than any other managers I had spoken to at other clubs.
“The belief he was putting in me, and the fact he has known me from a young age helped me a lot. He knows the type of player I am.
“There was a time a year or two ago when he wanted me here, and I have spoken to him a few times since then.
“You look at what he has created here, with reaching the play-offs, and I think Swansea are going in a good direction and going for promotion, which is what I want.”
Walsh’s move mimics that of Smith last August when he signed for Swansea after being released by Bristol City.
Smith made 40 appearances under Cooper last season and the pair could line up together in midfield for the new campaign.
Walsh also knows full-back Connor Roberts from a loan spell together at Yeovil Town and fitness coach David Tivey.
“I also spoke to Korey a lot about the possibility of coming here, and he was on my case pretty much every single day to be honest,” added Walsh.
“I also spoke to Connor and David Tivey and they had nothing but good words to say about the club. Everything they said was positive and I think this is perfect for me.”
Swansea finished 29 points and 15 places above Bristol City last season, with Walsh making just three appearances due to hamstring problems.
City host the Swans at Ashton Gate on Friday, August 20.