Joe Lewis completes Torquay loan move

Swansea City defender Joe Lewis has joined Torquay United on a season-long loan.

The centre-half links up with the National League side, who were promoted to the fifth tier of the English football pyramid last season under the guidance of experienced boss Gary Johnson.

Lewis got a taste of what is to come with the Gulls last week as he played 55 minutes of the under-23s’ narrow 3-2 defeat at Plainmoor.

The 19-year-old, who has been with the Swans since he was seven, made 23 appearances for the development side last season, with his efforts earning him a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2021.

Lewis was also part of head coach Steve Cooper’s recent first-team training camp in Spain and under-23s' coach Cameron Toshack feels the young defender will benefit from exposure to senior football.

“I’m really pleased for Joe. He deserves all the recognition and the opportunity that he’s created for himself,” said Toshack.

“He’s a fine young man who’s very good to coach, listens to instructions and does his best to apply himself to improve every day. He was certainly one of our most improved players last season.

“We were aware that one or two clubs were interested in him at the back end of last season, and that was recognition for his performances.

“It’s great to see him go out and play men’s football in what is a very competitive league. We wish him all the very best.”