Proud Leroy relishes new role
Leroy Fer is planning to lead by example at the Liberty this season after being named Swansea City captain.
New boss Graham Potter has installed Fer as the Swans’ new skipper following the summer departure of Angel Rangel.
The midfielder has been given the armband despite the fact that he is yet to play under Potter as a result of a long-term Achilles problem.
But as he edges closer to a return to full fitness, Fer is relishing the prospect of leading the Swans in the Championship.
“I am very proud and very honoured to be given the role,” he said.
“We have a good group of players here with some new young players who have come in.
“I am one of the more experienced players in the squad and I am very proud to be captain of Swansea City.
“It’s nice for me that the manager has asked me to do the job.
“The gaffer knows me as a player. I haven’t played under him yet but he said he knows me from before.
“He thinks the things that I show on the pitch – work-rate and always trying to give everything for the team – are important and that’s why he made me captain and Mike (van der Hoorn) vice-captain.”
Fer’s only previous captaincy experience came in youth football, although he did serve as vice-captain during his spell at Feyenoord.
The 28-year-old is known for his big personality and is an influential figure in the Swans dressing room.
“I am always quite loud,” Fer added.
“Sometimes I’m a joker, but I know that when you have to be serious, you have to be serious.
“The lads know that about me. I will try to be the same person, but on the pitch and when we have to be strict, there is a line.”
Fer reckons he and fellow Dutchman van der Hoorn will combine well as leaders – but wants others within Potter’s squad to play their part.
“Mike is my friend and I think we can work together to try to lead this team,” Fer said.
“But it’s not just about one or two people, the whole squad need to help each other. I am one of the more experienced players so I am wearing the armband, but we all need to do our bit.”
Tickets for our Swansea City's home opener against Preston North End om Saturday are available – get yours HERE or call the ticket office on 01792 616400. Watch the game in style in our 1912 Heritage lounge – contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or on hospitality@swanseacity.com.
The Preston game will be available on SwansTV Live to all our international fans on Saturday*.
The full match will be available for just £7.99. You can purchase the game by clicking HERE or you can sign up for the season for £110 HERE. To find out more information on SwansTV Live click HERE.
*Please note that due to EFL broadcasting rules, you will not be able to live stream Saturday’s fixture against Preston in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Guernsey or Jersey.
