TYLER Reid has been confirmed as Richie Wellens’ first summer signing, joining from Swansea City on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract in south Wales.
Subject to EFL approval, international clearance and the completion of a medical, Reid will officially join the club on Monday, July 1.
The 21-year-old made one first-team appearance for the Swans in 2018-19 following a loan stint at Newport County the season before.
Reid linked up with Swansea on a three-year deal in the summer of 2016 for an undisclosed fee from Premier League giants Manchester United, where he spent four seasons as part of the club’s academy following his switch from Arsenal.
Now ready for a fresh challenge, Town’s new right-back is excited at the prospect of regular first-team football and helping Wellens realise his ambition of achieving promotion from League Two.
He said: “The County Ground looks good, it’s ready to be my home really.
“The manager says he wants to give me a chance, and I’m ready to take it.
“We’ve clicked well in the sense that we both have links to Manchester. He seems like a good guy, and I’m happy to be working with him.”
Reid described his pace, power and ability to get forward as his best traits on the pitch.
And he hopes those thoughts can be translated to the fans’ opinions when starting pre-season later this month.
Time spent at Arsenal and Manchester United in his youth career has made him the player he is today. But joining Swindon has been marked as another grounding to aid his development for the future.
He added: “My time (at Arsenal and Manchester United) made me the player I am today. Both of those clubs have unique styles, but they have helped me a lot.
“Coming to Swindon, I need to get another grounding to help my development and make me a better player.
“That was my first season there, to win the double was good. Swansea is a good club, and they taught me a lot too.
“It was good playing with a lot of players that are now in the first team.”
Reid’s arrival means Kyle Knoyle is unlikely to return to the County Ground next season, amid interest from League Two rivals Cambridge United for his services.
Knoyle made 69 appearances during his two-year stay at SN1. But manager Richie Wellens revealed to the Advertiser that no progress has been made regarding the pair’s agreement on a fresh contract.
“I think Kyle (Knoyle) will probably be moving on,” said Wellens.
“Kyle has done great for me, and he was obviously the supporters’ player of the year.
“We offered him a contract, and it hasn’t been signed. I made a stance that if it wasn’t signed by a certain date – because the figures were agreed – it would be tough.”
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