As Laird heads to Bournemouth he says thank you

It may have been the will of Manchester United that wanted to see a switch for Ethan Laird from Swansea to Bournemouth but the defender left with the customary message of thanks to the Swans via the ever so traditional message of Instagram.

The Swans were slightly stunned to learn last week that United wanted to recall Laird from his season long loan in Swansea and immediately send him to Bournemouth as the Cherries look to push on towards a Premier League return.

Laird was almost ever present for the Swans this season and certainly one of the high spots of our good form around October time but his performance level had dipped in recent weeks.

It was reported at the weekend that one of the drivers behind the decision was Bournemouth’s willingness to pay a higher loan fee and a higher percentage of Laird’s wages but it is also easy to see that a place at the top end of the Championship maybe more beneficial for a player who covets a first team place at Old Trafford.

Speaking on the day when his move to Bournemouth was completed, Laird thanked Swansea for his time here by saying via Instagram “A big thank you to everyone at Swansea City!

“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a big club. The last few months have been a privilege, I have really felt the love from the fans and the community from day one. You have made me feel at home and your support has been incredible.”

In his first interview as a Bournemouth player he added “I’m happy and can’t wait to get started. We’ve got some games to win!

“It’s a Premier League standard (club) and I know a couple of people here. We want to be in the Premier League and I want to help push the team to promotion and develop as a player.

“I’ve spoken to the gaffer a few times, really just to say I can’t wait to get started. So many people (at United) have helped me and I can’t wait to be there soon and now it’s the next step of the journey.”