Jamie Paterson | I've always admired how Swansea play, I wanted to be part of it
Jamie Paterson says the opportunity to play for a side committed to playing good football was a key factor in his decision to join Swansea City.
The forward, 29, has joined the Swans on an initial one-year deal – with the option for a further 12 months – and is in contention for Saturday’s Championship opener against Blackburn Rovers.
Paterson has previously had spells with Walsall, Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield Town, Bristol City and Derby County, making over 150 Championship appearances.
He had interest from other clubs over the course of the summer – having become a free agent after leaving Ashton Gate – but it was the style of play head coach Russell Martin is looking to put in place that ensured Paterson became the first signing of the new Swans boss’ tenure.
“I am buzzing to be here, to be honest. The season is nearly upon us and I cannot wait to be out there playing football for Swansea,” he said.
“I’ve played against Swansea before and I know about the style of play, and from speaking to the manager I feel like the style he wants to play will really suit me.
“It is something I am excited about and I am looking forward to getting going.
“I know the coaches Luke Williams and Matt Gill, and I think Swansea have three young coaches who want to play the right way.
“They have their own patterns of play, I have no doubt it is exciting times ahead for Swansea with them in charge and I am looking forward to being part of it.
“The Swansea fans demand that style of play and I think it all fits together. I have always wanted to play for a footballing side – I have played for a few before – and I am excited by it.
“I want to get on the ball and create and score goals. I like to be a bit of a showman and take a bit of a risk, it is what I love to do and I want to keep doing it.”
Paterson played alongside current Swans Korey Smith and Liam Walsh at Bristol City, while he also knows Ben Hamer and Morgan Whittaker from his time at Derby.
And he revealed how Smith welcomed him to SA1 as he prepared to sign for the Swans.
“It makes it a bit easier to have some familiar faces when you make a move,” he said.
“I stayed with Korey on my first night here and he cooked me Spaghetti Bolognese, which was nice, I was happy about that!
“He’s a really good friend of mine, I played with Walshy for a few years at Bristol City, and then with Ben. They are good lads, and it makes it easier on the first day and I know a lot of the other lads from playing against them.
“Korey was telling me to get myself down here, I think he was almost more excited than me. I’ve found a really friendly club and I cannot wait to get started.”
