Ryan Manning | I was excited by the plans for the future here

Ryan Manning has revealed how Swansea City’s plans for the future convinced him a move to South Wales was the right one.

The 24-year-old, who can play as a left-back, left wing-back or in central midfield, became the Swans’ final signing of the transfer window on deadline day, signing a three-year deal in SA1.

The move saw the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international make the switch to South Wales after almost six years with Queens Park Rangers.

Having made over 100 appearances in the Championship, Manning is relishing the opportunity to join Steve Cooper’s squad and hopes to contribute to the team as they seek a return to the Premier League.

“It’s been a bit of a hectic time but I’m looking forward to starting and getting going,” smiled Manning after putting pen to paper on Friday.

“I spoke to the gaffer and Andy (Scott) over the last couple of weeks and I spoke to them about the plans for the future here, the project they have in place and the direction the club is going in.

“It’s obviously a big change for me moving from London to Wales but I think the project here and the plans for the future made it a no-brainer for me to want to be a part of it.

“I have racked up quite a few games at this stage but I think the project here and what the gaffer is building is all towards getting promoted.

“As soon as I heard that, I knew that was the next step in my career, I want to get promoted, I want to get to the Premier League and I want to try to help the club, the players and staff as much as I can.  

“I’d like to help get the club back to being an established Premier League club which it was throughout most of my time growing up as a kid, that’s the goal.”

The Irishman is also excited to work under Steve Cooper and his backroom staff, and explains the head coach played an influential role in him moving to SA1.

“He’s obviously really good at working with players. I’m not a finished product, so I’m keen to learn and want to become a better player and I think the manager and the staff here and everyone involved can help me do that,” added Manning.

“Speaking to the gaffer and hearing the plans that he had for me as a player and the plans for the club was all part of me wanting to come here and making my decision.”

Manning’s decision was made even easier after former team-mates Angel Rangel and Jake Bidwell waxed lyrical about the club and their time in Swansea.

“Angel is a legend of the club down here and he speaks very highly of the place,” said Manning.

“I was also speaking to Bidwell recently about coming down here and he said there was a really good group of lads and he was really enjoying his time here.

“When you hear good things like that about a club it makes the decision-making process that bit easier.”

Manning has fond memories of playing against the Swans, notably netting two penalties whilst on loan at Rotherham United in 2018, but is now hoping to emulate that success playing for the Liberty club.

“They were probably not too happy with the two penalties that day but I’m looking forward to being here, I’m looking forward to getting started,” added Manning with a grin.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up, the fixtures are quite condensed this season, so I’m looking to forward to getting stuck into it and hopefully write off those two goals against us and get some goals for us.”

Describing himself as a utility player, Manning believes his versatility will offer the Swans options across the pitch.

“I can play in a number of positions, I’m a utility player at times,” he said.

“I can add a bit of quality with my left foot and I like playing left wing-back and being creative going forward.

“I played in central midfield for most of my career so I kind of have that creativity side so hopefully wherever I am playing on the pitch I can add something to the team quality wise.

“Hopefully I can attack, score goals and create goals, that is what my game is based around, so I’d like to add some goals and assists to the team.

“The team has had a great start to the season, I think it is underestimated how important starting the campaign right is.

“There are obviously a lot of fixtures over the next few weeks before the next international break, so hopefully I can add to the team and help the team build on the good start.”