Swansea have signed versatile defender Josh Key from Exeter on an initial three-year deal. The 23-year-old, who has spent the last eight years on the Grecians’ books, can play full-back, wing-back or as a winger and is Michael Duff’s second signing since taking charge of the Swans. The Welsh club hold an option for another 12 months through to 2027 should Key impress. As Key is 23, Exeter are due compensation
Swansea City began their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Haverfordwest County at Fairwood. In a behind closed doors game, the hosts played a different team in each half in what was their first outing under new head coach Michael Duff. The Swans dominated possession in the first period and had an early sight of goal when Joel Piroe headed just over from a Matt Grimes corner. Grimes himself then saw a free kick comfortably saved by Zac Jones, before the keeper was called into action to brilliantly keep out Piroe’s low effort from just inside the box. But the Dutch striker wasn’t to be denied minutes before the break, as he headed home a Grimes corner to give the hosts the lead at the interval. Following 11 changes at half time, the Swans came close to extending their lead on 54 minutes as Jamie Paterson fired just over, before Morgan Whittaker shot wide and Josh Thomas saw his effort superbly blocked inside the box after a wonderful flowing move. Whittaker then thought he’d doubled the home side’s lead with 73 minutes on the clock, but the forward saw his left-foot shot cleared off the line. Ben Cabango was next in line as he met Paterson’s deep corner from the left but the defender’s header came off the crossbar. Paterson was involved again two minutes later as he turned his man in the centre circle before playing Whittaker in on goal, but the former Derby man saw his effort saved by Jones. But the Swans were rewarded for their efforts with just six minutes left to play as Jay Fulton set up Josh Thomas who rifled in a low drive across the keeper to seal the win.
At the end of May it was reported that Blackpool had turned down a bid of £2.5m and were holding out for £4m. Interest was being shown by Luton, Coventry and Ipswich. Yates scored 14 goals for Blackpool last season.
