Josh Key | I will give my all to succeed at Swansea City

Josh Key has vowed to work his socks off for Swansea City after sealing his move to the club.

The 23-year-old joins on a three-year contract – with the option for a further 12 months – subject to EFL and international clearance.

Key has spent the last eight years on Exeter’s books, coming through the academy ranks to make 147 appearances in all competitions.

He helped the Grecians secure promotion to League One in 2022, before helping them establish themselves in the third-tier last term.

Renowned for pace and energy down the right flank, Key is keen to bring those same qualities to his new club.

“I am an attack-minded defender. I like to get forward and get balls in the box, but I am also a willing defender,” he said.

“If I need to get back and defend I will, and I will put all my effort into defending. You will see a high work-rate from me.

“I will give my all on the pitch, I won’t leave anything out there. One thing you will get from me is work-rate and I will want to show that every week on the pitch.”

Key had been linked with a move to the Swans back in January, before a move was touted again this summer, and he admitted it was an easy decision to make the switch to SA1.

“I am so happy. It has been a long time coming, there’s been a lot of links and the first time I heard about it I felt it would be the ideal fit for me,” he said.

“It’s taken a little while to happen, but I’m really pleased to be here.

“The facilities are top quality and it’s a place where you know you can really come and improve and work on yourself.

“The location is great, but you also see the passion of the fans, the quality of the players the club are bringing in - and those already here - suit me and how I want to play.

“It’s easy to say, but I have heard so much about the fanbase here and how united they are, and as a player you want that behind you and you want to do well for people like that.

“So, I hope we can work together. As a team we can play for the fans, and the fans can help us do well this year. I want to be a part of that.”

Key has become the second signing for head coach Michael Duff, someone Key has come across when facing his Cheltenham Town and Barnsley sides in recent seasons.

“I know him as a manager, I played against his teams in League One and League Two. I know his style of play, and you would have seen the success he has had with all his teams,” said Key, whose father Myles played rugby union for Exeter Chiefs, while his great-grandfather Myles Abraham was an Ireland rugby international, boxing champion and decorated First World War hero.

“I know I am going to develop myself, with the staff he has brought in and the philosophy he has as a manager. That’s why I wanted to join because of the plans he has for this club.”

Key’s move from Exeter sees him follow in the footsteps of captain Matt Grimes, who made the same switch back in January 2015.

The pair went to the same school and their career successes have been a source of pride for their former P.E. teacher.

And Key would be delighted if he is able to make an impact at Swansea in a similar fashion to his fellow Exeter academy product.

“Every player has to back themselves, and I saw what he did when he was at Exeter and the type of person and man he is now,” he added.

“I have seen what he has done here, and how much everyone loves him. The type of player he is, he is renowned in the Championship as a top player, so if I can have any success like that here then I would be really happy.

“Luckily, I have still got him here to look after me a bit, but I am sure our old teacher will be loving this right now, so a shout out to Mr Ruff who taught us at St Peter’s School!”