Newport County’s latest new signing, Joe Thomas, is hoping the Welsh factor will help inspire the club to greater things.
The defender, 22, completed a two-year deal from Welsh neighbours Swansea City today after coming through the Academy ranks at Cambrian & Clydach and then the Championship club’s Under-23 side in south Wales.
Thomas’ arrival at Rodney Parade increases the Welsh contingent at the club as he teams up with Will Evans, Nathan Wood, Kiban Rai, Jac Norris, Nelson Sanca and Luke Jephcott – with possibly more to come.
“Being a Welsh boy means something to me, as it would for all the other boys,’’ he explained. “It gives you that added motivation to do well for this club.’’
Thomas joined his local club Cambrian as a 12-year-old, climbing through the ranks and into the first team in Cymru South, before signing professional forms as a 19-year-old at Swansea.
“It was a new experience for me going to Swansea and I learnt a massive amount,’’ he added. “I think there’s been a massive improvement in me as a player since I first went there.
“I started at my local club Cambrian, and I can’t thank them enough for getting me here. They are as much a part of it as Swansea and hopefully I can now kick on here at Newport.
“It’s been a few weeks since the talks started, actually at the end of last season, and I’m just happy to get the contract signed. Huw was really keen to get me on board and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m quite attacking as a player, but also like to do the defensive part as well. My regular position is wing-back, but I’ve also played as a winger, right-back and a centre half at times. I suppose I can do both the attacking and defending side of the game.
“As I said, I can’t wait to get started. Let’s get up there; let’s get promoted.”
Watch Joe's first interview HERE.
