The move from Everton that never worked out – now time for a fresh start

The Swans confirmed the first of their two expected signings yesterday with the capture from Bristol City of Liam Walsh who signed on after a two month pursuit that started before the Swans league status for this season was confirmed.

That is enough to tell you that we have made a good capture in Walsh – the fact that we were keen on him when promotion to the Premier League was a possibility should mean that he can shine at this level and hopefully add some creativity to the midfield that was so lacking at times last season.

And it also gives Walsh a chance to put behind him his move from Everton that never worked out as he planned.

Walsh is a graduate of the Everton academy and has international honours for England at both Under 16 and Under 18 level.   He signed for Bristol City back in 2018 but in that three year period he has made just 18 appearances for the Ashton Gate side and spent last season on loan at Coventry, helping the Sky Blues back into the Championship in the process.

It all looked so different when he signed for the Robins under Lee Johnson who declared at the time “I think Liam gives us something slightly different to what we have already and adds to the qualities we already have in midfield. He loves getting on the ball and is a very good passer with both his left and right foot. He’s a brilliant player, who can come in and compete immediately. Hopefully he can improve and he improves us.”

Walsh himself talked at the time about how excited he was with the move “I think the time was right to leave Everton. I had been there since the age of five but I wasn’t getting game time and there were a lot of players ahead of me.

“As soon as there was interest from Bristol City though, I never took my eyes off them. I watched every game, I have seen them flying in the Sky Bet Championship and we have a great young manager in Lee Johnson. We’re looking to achieve a lot and I can’t see why we can’t do that with the players that we have right now.

“This move will help my career a lot and I can’t wait to keep playing.”

The loan move to Coventry was thought to me a stepping stone to further that career with Mark Robins – then Sky Blues boss saying on completing the signing “We’re pleased to add Liam to our squad. He is a very talented footballer, who loves getting on the ball and is comfortable with both feet.

“He adds another option to our midfield and depth in an important position, and we look forward to working with him.”

Upon completing his move to the Liberty yesterday, Walsh told the club’s official website “I went to Bristol City looking to play week in, week out, but I had a few injuries. It maybe did not go to plan.

“But I have been working hard over the summer and over the last year. I am looking forward to being here and hopefully trying to achieve promotion for the club.

“I am energetic on the pitch, I am quite loud on the pitch, I am a proper winner and if things are not going our way, I try my best to try and turn it round.

“I like getting on the ball, I like running games and there is nothing better than winning. I am very passionate about that.”

Welcome to Swansea Liam and here’s to a long and successful time here.