Ashley Williams believes that the Swans have to keep moving forward under new manager Michael Laudrup

Ashley Williams believes that the Swans have to keep moving forward under new manager Michael Laudrup

Williams said: “One of the main thing this summer was about keeping the top players to keep us moving forward.

“If we’re to do anything this year we have to have our best players.

“Speculation will happen and you can’t do anything about it. You switch off from it as players and let people talk.

“We know the score, we’re all used to it, even Joey in his short career. I’m sure he’s not fussed.

“As a club we have to keep moving forward and the more quality players we sign will only be better for us,” said Williams.

“Also the impression it gives is good because no-one’s moaning we’ve lost a couple of players because we’ve replaced them so quickly.

“It’s a positive move from the club and hopefully we continue to see that because the players want to see and will welcome new quality players.

Chico has already made his mark on the rest of the Swansea squad by winning the club’s bleep test – used to measure fitness – on the first day of pre-season.

The 25-year-old, who spent last season at Mallorca where he worked with Laudrup, will battle with club captain Garry Monk and long-serving defender Alan Tate for a starting spot alongside Williams at Queens Park Rangers on August 18.

“He’s a big lad” said Williams. “It ruined it for me because normally I say when you’re this heavy you can’t do well in the running, but he’s blown that excuse after winning the bleep test.

“I’ve not seen him play, but you trust the gaffer’s judgement and hopefully we have another good player on board and he’s settled in well.

“We’re a tight group here and fitting into that is arguably more important than what he does on the pitch, but early impressions are good.

“The last two years were so enjoyable. I’m sure everyone has their opinions of Brendan, but ask anyone here and they will tell you how much they enjoyed working with him.

“They are two of my favourite years in my career, so it’s obviously tough that he’s gone.

“But that’s life – and that’s football – and you have to get on with it. But appointing someone like Laudrup got our respect straight away and we’re happy to listen.

“He’s a legend in world football – you only have to look at his Wikipedia page to see that!

“He’s addressed the lads and he’s obviously got our respect straight away, training was good and everybody’s enjoyed it.

“He’s said a few words and he obviously knows what he’s going on about and early impressions are good.”

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