Swansea City sign young goalkeeper Archie Matthews

Swansea City has completed the signing of goalkeeper Archie Matthews for the club's under-21 squad, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old, who spent last season with Championship club Birmingham City, has put pen to paper on a two-year contract in SA1 with the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.

The Bath-born stopper came through the ranks at Swindon Town, for whom he made a solitary senior appearance in a 2-1 League One victory over Northampton during the 2020-21 season.

During his time with the Robins he had loan spells with AFC Totton, Thatcham Town and Melksham Town before joining Birmingham ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Matthews had loan spells with Bath City and Gloucester City during his time on the books of the Blues, and he now links up with the Swans and a familiar face in goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton.

"I'm really excited about this move, I see it as a fresh start in new surroundings for me," he said.

"I had a trial here towards the end of last season and it just struck me what a welcoming environment it was, and how friendly the people are.

"I just had a good feeling straight away, it feels like everyone is on the same wavelength. I felt like I settled quickly and the challenge for me now is to make the most of the opportunity.

"I know Dean Thornton from Swindon, he was one of my first coaches, while I also know Steven Benda and Jordon Garrick from when they had loan spells at Swindon.

"But Dean had kept in touch with me, we first worked together when I was about 14 after joining the academy at Swindon when I was a scholar.

"I am pleased to work with him again, and it's all about getting more football under my belt now. I have had a couple of injuries and a few loan spells, now I just want to settle down, show what I can do and get as much game time under my belt as I can."

And Matthews says the experience of his loan spells at non-league level have left him with a greater appreciation of the opportunity to work at professional level.

He also believes that his time at Birmingham has left him better equipped to handle the physical step up at Championship level.

"I felt the loan spells were important for me, they gave me a different perspective on football and the opportunity I have," added Matthews.

"You are playing with guys who have worked a hard day of graft and are rocking up to train and play, and it gives you an appreciation of what the game means to so many people and what it means to me to have the chance to do something I love.

"Also, being at Birmingham meant I learnt so much in terms of the physical level required. You have to be fit at League Two level, obviously, but it is another step up and I don't think I was ready for it at first.

"But, I felt like I had got to grips with it by the end of the season, and I think it will stand me in good stead for the upcoming season and beyond."