Swift ‘could have last laugh’ as talks held with West Brom’s Midlands rivals
John Swift looks increasingly likely to remain in the Championship and could therefore line up against West Brom next season.
Swift has been allowed to leave The Hawthorns following the expiry of his contract, with many West Brom fans agreeing it was a good decision to let him go.
There had been interest from overseas, with clubs from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States supposedly wanting to offer him a contract.
The 30-year-old is keen to remain in England, though, and believes he can still do a job at Championship level.
Swift has been in talks with two Championship clubs
Portsmouth had initially shown interest in bringing Swift to Fratton Park, although they are now thought to be exploring other targets.
However, they’re not the only Championship club who want the former Reading midfielder.
A report from Birmingham World (30 June) suggests that four Championship clubs are interested in signing Swift, and that he has held initial talks with two of them.
Stoke City and Albion’s Midlands rivals Derby County are two of the clubs, although the other two are being kept under wraps.
Either way, it seems as if Swift will return to The Hawthorns with an opposing team next season.
West Brom right to let Swift leave
Swift didn’t reach his best form in a Baggies shirt last season, but he is still capable of performing consistently in the Championship.
He has the ability and footballing nous to be a regular starter for the likes of Derby, Stoke or Portsmouth.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 1819 | 3 | 1 |
However, Ryan Mason has a clear strategy to move forwards with West Brom and have them pushing for promotion to the Premier League.
Mason wants to build his team around hungry young stars, and there were a lot of doubts about whether Swift can be that type of player.
He may return to The Hawthorns for another Championship team, play well, and even smash a worldie past Josh Griffiths. He has certainly got that in his locker.
That doesn’t mean it wasn’t the correct long-term decision to let him leave the club.
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