Jake Bidwell has revealed how Angel Rangel and Connor Roberts were instrumential in his move to Swansea City.
The left-back has joined on a free transfer in a three year deal from QPR to become new manager Steve Cooper’s first signing of the summer.
Bidwell, a graduate of the academy at Everton, will compete with Wales international Declan John for the berth on the left side of the Swans defence.
“I played with Angel at QPR last season, he knows the area and the club really well and he had nothing but good things to say,” said the 26-year-old.
“He felt it would be a good fit for me and – being the old, wise head that he is – I would have been silly not to take his advice. He definitely sold it to me and told me what a great club it is.
“His recommendation was more than enough for me, but I also spoke to Connor through a mutual friend and he was so positive too.
“He admitted he might be a bit biased as he is a local lad, but again he was so positive about the club and the set-up and I’m looking forward to meeting up with him and the rest of the squad.”
Bidwell who has made over 210 appearances in the Championship during spells with Brentford and the Rs has headed to Spain to join the Swans on their pre-season camp.
“I’m definitely excited about getting down to work,” added Bidwell, who was also impressed by his conversations with head coach Cooper.
“It was a different situation for me being a free agent. There were a couple of options, but I tried to do as much homework as I could on Swansea and all the feedback I had off various people was positive.
“It’s a massive club, you look around and everything about the infrastructure is Premier League.
“Speaking to the manager, I think his style fits well with the club and I hope to add to that and be a part of that.
“Pre-season will be hard work, but it lays the foundation for your season,” he added.
“I’ve had a long couple of days with the medical and things so I am looking forward to getting out there, meeting the staff and the lads.
“I cannot wait to get going.”
Bidwell made 130 appearances, scoring four goals, during his three-year spell at QPR having had two loan spells at Brentford before making the permanent switch.
He helped them win automatic promotion to the Championship and was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year in 2013-14.
Southport-born Bidwell started his career at Everton at the age of 11 and went on to captain the Toffees to a Premier League academy title.
His one and only first-team appearance for Everton came when he became the club’s youngest player to represent them in European competition when he played against BATE Borisov in the Europa League in 2009.