Freddie Woodman | I have unfinished business with Swansea City

Freddie Woodman feels he has unfinished business with Swansea City after sealing a return to the club on a season-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed a fine season in SA1 last term during his original loan spell from Newcastle, keeping 12 clean sheets in 43 appearances before injury curtailed his season.

The England age-grade international and Under-20 World Cup winner also saved three of the five penalties he faced.

Woodman and head coach Steve Cooper had both spoken of a desire for the keeper to return to Swansea.

And, having missed out on the dramatic final run-in and Championship play-off semi-finals due to a hip problem suffered against Leeds, Woodman will return to South Wales for a second season in determined mood.

“I am delighted it has been sorted, I feel like I really connected with the club last season,” he said.

“I feel like I have unfinished business with Swansea, so for everything to be done in time to go back for the start of pre-season training is massive and I cannot wait to get back.

“When I got injured, I almost felt I had let people down, and I got quite down about it.

“But I realised I had a job to do to help the team by being positive and offering support at such an important time.

“I can’t lie, I was devastated to miss those games. I had played all the games throughout the season and then you miss the key ones at the end.

“There were some unbelievable, incredible nights at the end of the season, and I was delighted the team had made the play-offs as I now have so many friends at Swansea.

“But it is hard to be watching and not playing, so I come back wanting to go all the way this time.”

Woodman also proved a popular figure with supporters, while he fully embraced life in the city and community.

It is a bond he is looking to re-establish as he prepares to battle Steven Benda and Josh Gould for the number one spot.

“I don’t think I have ever had that feeling where I have gone to a place and felt at home, just as I do where I go back to where I am from with my family,” he added.

“I was almost shocked by it, but I loved it. My family and friends have absolutely loved it when they have come down to visit, it’s a wonderful place to live.

“I’ve felt that connection with the supporters, they were so good to me when I joined and throughout last season.

“I want to thank them for that, and I will do my very best for them again this season.”