Young striker keen to impress to earn extended stay at St James Park
Exeter City’s new striker Ryan Swan says he is looking forward to fighting for a first team spot to secure his future with the Grecians.
Ryan impressed in his trial spell in November and has joined Exeter on a contract until the end of the season, but wants to secure a future with the Grecians beyond May.
“I’m here working hard every day, trying to get a break through and do enough to stay on,” said Ryan. “The setup is great here, when I was here the first time, they were down near the bottom but they went on that amazing run and it’s great to be back to see all the lads.”
When asked what made him want to join Exeter, Ryan added: “It’s the way people are down here, the coaching and the training. Everything about this place, the ground and training facilities like the astro show it’s a club on the rise. Pierce Sweeney was an influence and I was impressed with the setup here and the coaching.”
Ryan, who scored 18 goals in 54 first division appearances for University College Dublin, says it is a big step up from Irish football to League Two but he is looking forward to the challenge.
It’s a real step up in the pace of the game,” he said. “It’s going to be hard to break into the team, with unbelievable players like Reuben (Reid), Ollie (Watkins) and Liam(McAlinden) in the squad, but I will give it a go.
“I’m looking forward to Saturday and all the games coming up. Hopefully, I can try and push my way into the squad soon. I just want to do all I can, just like the rest of the boys, to get the club promoted.”
The young striker also has experience in the Europa League but started his career at Bray Wanderers where he met Pierce Sweeney.
“I started with Bray and moved onto UCD where I hit the ground running,” said Ryan. “I did well and got my first opportunity at senior football. It was a great two years, I played a Europa League campaign. We put a run together and it’s great to have that sort of experience behind me. It will help coming into situations over here.”