Harry Darling | Swansea City's style is why I’m here

Harry Darling is looking forward to linking back up with Swansea City head coach Russell Martin, and revealed the club's attractive style of play was a key factor in him penning a three-year deal in SA1.

After an impressive 2021-22 campaign for League One side MK Dons – which saw him named in the division's team of the year – there was plenty of interest in Darling from across the leagues, but the 22-year-old has no doubt that Swansea is the right fit for him.

The Swans' high-possession philosophy was the major factor in convincing the ball-playing centre-back to make the move to south Wales.

“I personally think it’s the best way to play and that’s why I’m here,” said Darling.

“Russell was a massive part of it. I was with him at my last club and we’ve stayed in contact.

“I love working with him and it’s such a big club. I’ve heard really good things about it so those were the two reasons I want to come here.

“I know the way the manager plays so it was just a case of getting the deal over the line - I just can’t wait to get started.

“The style is different, but when it gets going it’s such an exciting way of playing and it can really dominate teams.

“Although I’m a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that bit first, then goals are just added extras.”

While Darling also knows Swans goalkeeper Andy Fisher from their time at MK Dons, he will meet most of his team-mates for the first time when the squad head to Pennyhill Park next week.

The defender believes the week-long pre-season training camp will be provide a great chance to help him settle in quickly and hit the ground running.

“Pennyhill will be the perfect start really,” he added.

“We’re going to be away for a week, so that’ll be a good opportunity to settle in and meet everyone. I’m sure Fish [Andy Fisher] will help with that.

“I wanted to get the deal done early so that I could have a full pre-season with the team. 

“I can gel with the team and set us up nicely for the start of the season.

“Personally, for me, I just want to do as well as I can, get as many appearances as I can, help the team in any way I can, win games and get us up the table.