Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over interest
Sun Aug 16, 2020 10:26 am
Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over interest from Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City
The much-loved ex-Bristol City captain has signed a two-year contract in south Wales
By James Piercy
Sunday 16th August 2020
Korey Smith admits the style of football Swansea play and the project sold to him by Steve Cooper, helped convince him a switch to the Liberty Stadium was the right one to make at this stage of his career.
Bristol City legend Smith signed a two-year contract with the Swans on Friday, just five days after he confirmed he would be leaving Ashton Gate following six years as a Robins player.
A move down the M4 enables Smith to remain in Bristol, where he is raising a young family, plus close friend and former City teammate Mark Little is now based in Swansea.
That geographical considerations plus the words of Cooper swung the decision in Swansea's favour with Smith also attracting interest from fellow Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
"I am delighted to be here," said Smith. "From the moment the club knew I was available the manager was on the phone to me, he showed me the project and was really keen to get me through the door.
"He told me all about the place, the fans and the stadium. I am really excited to get going.
"I was at Bristol City a long time and have some great memories with some amazing people, but it is time to move on to a new chapter.
"I got a really positive feeling from speaking to him (Cooper). I know the boys had a great season, although they just missed out in the semi-finals.
"I also played against them, and everyone knows how Swansea want to play the game.
"They play nice, attractive football and the head coach feels I can bring something different to the team.
"I feel like I can bring experience and maybe help some of the younger players. I am a very positive guy, I like to keep people’s spirits high.
"That’s what I am all about and I want to keep doing well and keep moving forward."
Coincidentally, Smith's final game for City was at the Liberty Stadium last month as he sat out their final Championship fixture against Preston North End to avoid injury.
At 29, he still has plenty of miles in the tank to build on his Championship experience and brings leadership and tenacity into the Swans midfield alongside starter Matt Grimes.
He also consulted former City favourite Tammy Abraham, who was on loan at Swansea during the 2017/18 season, and Wales international Ashley Williams, before making his decision.
"I spoke to Ash at Bristol, he had an amazing time here and he had nothing but good things to say, and Tammy was the same," added Smith.
"They all said it was a lovely place to live, a brilliant club with a great stadium and fanbase.
"Obviously everyone around Swansea supports the club so it’s a great place to be.
"I also have friends down here so hopefully that will help me settle in. I can’t wait to get going."
The much-loved ex-Bristol City captain has signed a two-year contract in south Wales
By James Piercy
Sunday 16th August 2020
Korey Smith admits the style of football Swansea play and the project sold to him by Steve Cooper, helped convince him a switch to the Liberty Stadium was the right one to make at this stage of his career.
Bristol City legend Smith signed a two-year contract with the Swans on Friday, just five days after he confirmed he would be leaving Ashton Gate following six years as a Robins player.
A move down the M4 enables Smith to remain in Bristol, where he is raising a young family, plus close friend and former City teammate Mark Little is now based in Swansea.
That geographical considerations plus the words of Cooper swung the decision in Swansea's favour with Smith also attracting interest from fellow Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
"I am delighted to be here," said Smith. "From the moment the club knew I was available the manager was on the phone to me, he showed me the project and was really keen to get me through the door.
"He told me all about the place, the fans and the stadium. I am really excited to get going.
"I was at Bristol City a long time and have some great memories with some amazing people, but it is time to move on to a new chapter.
"I got a really positive feeling from speaking to him (Cooper). I know the boys had a great season, although they just missed out in the semi-finals.
"I also played against them, and everyone knows how Swansea want to play the game.
"They play nice, attractive football and the head coach feels I can bring something different to the team.
"I feel like I can bring experience and maybe help some of the younger players. I am a very positive guy, I like to keep people’s spirits high.
"That’s what I am all about and I want to keep doing well and keep moving forward."
Coincidentally, Smith's final game for City was at the Liberty Stadium last month as he sat out their final Championship fixture against Preston North End to avoid injury.
At 29, he still has plenty of miles in the tank to build on his Championship experience and brings leadership and tenacity into the Swans midfield alongside starter Matt Grimes.
He also consulted former City favourite Tammy Abraham, who was on loan at Swansea during the 2017/18 season, and Wales international Ashley Williams, before making his decision.
"I spoke to Ash at Bristol, he had an amazing time here and he had nothing but good things to say, and Tammy was the same," added Smith.
"They all said it was a lovely place to live, a brilliant club with a great stadium and fanbase.
"Obviously everyone around Swansea supports the club so it’s a great place to be.
"I also have friends down here so hopefully that will help me settle in. I can’t wait to get going."
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Re: Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over inter
Sun Aug 16, 2020 3:30 pm
Steve Cooper "told me all about the place..."
So he either told you it's a shithole and yet you still decided to sign or your new manager has been lying to you.
Not a great way to start your time at a new club.
Anyway you can regret your decision every day on the way to training when you drive past a proper city on the way to the caravan park.
So he either told you it's a shithole and yet you still decided to sign or your new manager has been lying to you.
Not a great way to start your time at a new club.
Anyway you can regret your decision every day on the way to training when you drive past a proper city on the way to the caravan park.
Re: Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over inter
Sun Aug 16, 2020 4:46 pm
davids wrote:Steve Cooper "told me all about the place..."
So he either told you it's a shithole and yet you still decided to sign or your new manager has been lying to you.
Not a great way to start your time at a new club.
Anyway you can regret your decision every day on the way to training when you drive past a proper city on the way to the caravan park.
What tickled me was the fantastic stadium bit? It is absalute crap from a spectators point view! A very miniature replica of ours that's only fit for midgets......
Re: Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over inter
Sun Aug 16, 2020 5:36 pm
Perhaps the siting fees are lower in that part of the world to off-set the lack of wages being paid? 
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Re: Korey Smith reveals why he chose Swansea City over inter
Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:29 am
He's saying the right stuff which is important there, Williams and Abraham will have told him to pretend to love the place and do the odd swim away and the thicko's will lap it up and lick his arse for years, he wasn't offered a new contract at Bristol, so that just about sums it up, our interest was probably no interest.