Korey Smith | I feel I am growing into the team

16th September
First team
Korey Smith

Korey Smith feels he and Swansea City have something to build on as the midfielder eagerly awaits his home debut for his new club.

The 29-year-old midfielder joined the Swans during the short off-season, following six years with Bristol City.

The short turnaround between seasons has meant new acquisitions to Steve Cooper’s squad have not had the usual lengthy pre-season to bed into new surroundings.

But Smith has looked to settle quickly, and showed what he can bring in a determined, astute showing in the weekend victory over Preston.

As he prepares to make his Liberty Stadium bow against Birmingham this weekend, the former Norwich man can feel the understanding between him and his team-mates improving all the time.

And he feels there is much encouragement to take from how solid the Swans performance proved to be at Deepdale.

I have only been here three or four weeks, and when you have been at another club a long time you need to adapt to different tactics, styles and partnerships,” he said.

Preston (A) Smith

“I feel with every week I am growing on that side, I feel I am bringing some value to the group. I hope they can see I work hard, I am a leader and I want to help everyone improve and the team get better.

“It was great to get a win in my first league game. To go away to a side who have been challenging over the last few years is always tough.

“They have a very good midfield so going there I knew I was in for a test in there. We had to win that battle and I felt we did that.

“We know we have good technical players, but what I really liked was how solid we were and how together we were. In this league, from my experience, that’s what can take you that step further.

“It’s something to build on, but 1-0 away from home is ideal. You cannot go wrong with that, that’s one of my favourite scorelines.”

During nearly any other season, Smith, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jamal Lowe would all be looking forward to being welcomed by 20,000 supporters at the Liberty at the weekend.

Korey Smith

Sadly, measures brought in to combat the Coronavirus pandemic mean fans will not be present to see the new signings make their Liberty bows.

But Smith is still determined to show the Jack Army what he is all about.

Obviously we have had a few friendlies at the Liberty, but it’s a different intensity in the league, and I am a bit gutted that I won’t be able to play in front of the fans for the first time,” he added.

“I’ve heard so many good things about the supporters, and I know what the Liberty can be like from previous games as an opponent.

“I wanted to be able to engage with them, but I know they will be watching and I will put my all in to try and help this club get another win.”