Korey Smith relishing Russell Martin reunion at Swansea City

Korey Smith was always confident his former captain and team-mate Russell Martin would become a head coach.

Smith played alongside the new Swansea City boss during their time at Norwich City, where they would win two promotions.

Now the pair are working together again, this time as head coach and player, following Martin’s appointment at the Liberty.

Smith can also count Matthew Gill, another addition to the Swansea coaching strength, as a former team-mate from their days at Carrow Road.

And the Swans midfielder is looking forward to playing under Martin, who earned a burgeoning reputation for implementing his attractive style of play at MK Dons.

“Me and the gaffer shared some great memories at Norwich – we won promotion twice, so naturally you build a good bond with people,” said Smith.

“He was always a really good role model and senior player for me. He was always someone who I could speak to and was willing to help out the younger players. He was always very professional, was a good captain, and wanted to win.

“Obviously it’s a little different now as he’s the gaffer and I respect that, but he knows I will help in any way I can.

“I know the gaffer and his staff are really good people who know their football, and that gives me a lot of confidence.”

The Swans kick off the season with a trip to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, in what will be Martin’s first game in charge.

And Smith has felt a buzz around the training ground as the squad prepare for the trip to Ewood Park.

“It’s been great to welcome the gaffer and his staff. It has brought a buzz to the place, and training in the last few days has been intense,” added Smith.

“There have been some changes here and there, which we’re working hard to adapt to.

“Every manager has their own style of play, and we’ve had training sessions and meetings to implement the plan.

“Looking at his MK Dons team, anyone I know who played against them said it was a really difficult game and they were chasing the ball a lot.

“Teams and players respect him, and we’re looking forward to working under him here.

“Everyone relates Swansea with a passing team, that reputation goes around the world.”