Kyle Bartley signs new Swansea City contract
5th July
Kyle Bartley has committed his future to Swansea City by signing a new three-year contract.
The 23-year-old's previous deal was due to expire next summer, but both the club and player were keen to tie down his services ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
The news follows a day after captain Ashley Williams signed a new four-year contract at the Swans.
Bartley, who arrived at the Liberty in a £1million move from Arsenal three years ago, spent the majority of last season on loan at Birmingham - scoring five goals in 19 appearances for the Championship side.
Recalled to the club following Garry Monk's appointment as manager, Bartley featured in three matches as the Swans finished 12th in the Barclays Premier League.
And he is looking forward to playing an even bigger role this season.
"I spoke to the manager after the last game of the season at Sunderland and he was keen to extend my contract," said Bartley.
"It's brilliant for me because it's a show of faith from the club and manager, and this season I really want to repay them for that by playing games and doing myself and the club proud.
"The manager is, first and foremost, an honest guy and he said if I work hard and show my ability then I'll get a chance.
"The season is demanding with the Premier League and cup competitions, so everyone in the squad will be used and it's up to them to perform and keep their spot in the team.
"The loan at Birmingham got my confidence back and made me stronger. I feel a better player for the games I was able to play there.
"It's my third season and I'm only 23, but I feel confident in my own ability and I'm ready to pull that shirt on and do well."
After beginning his youth career with Bolton, the Stockport-born defender joined Arsenal in 2007 and was part of the successful Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup side in 2008/09.
Highly-rated, the youngster also went on to skipper the Reserves at the Emirates and made one senior appearance in the Champions League against Olympiakos in 2009.
Later that season he was part of the Sheffield United side that beat the Swans at Bramall Lane, and again the following campaign as the Blades won 1-0 on home soil.
After a second temporary stint at Sheffield United, Bartley spent 2011-12 in the Scottish Premier League on loan at Rangers as he gained further experience before his permanent switch to the Liberty.
