York City are simply the best says Ben (From York Press)

York City are simply the best says new signing Ben Swallow

12:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

YORK City’s new signing Ben Swallow cannot wait to play for the “best footballing team” he has seen in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Swallow started this season on loan at Bath from Bristol Rovers and was a member of the Romans side who lost 1-0 at Bootham Crescent to a late Jamie Reed goal back in September.

He also played against title favourites Fleetwood and Luton for the Somerset side but, even though the Minstermen were not at their best during the 22-year-old winger’s last visit, he left North Yorkshire impressed by the hosts’ playing style.

Swallow said: “In the three months I was at Bath, I thought York were the best footballing team I played against. They passed the ball around and that’s how I like to play football.

“I like to get on the ball and the game should be about passing, moving and keeping possession even if that means going backwards sometimes if you need to.”

The left-footed former Cardiff City trainee also admits he relishes the freedom offered by playing as an attacker in the 4-3-3 formation favoured by Minstermen chief Gary Mills.

He added: “When I came to York with Bath we played three up front with everyone rotating around and given the freedom to do what they wanted.

“I like to play as part of a three because you aren’t restricted to one side and can cover for each other.

“I like to play on both sides. On the right, I can come inside and play off people while, on the left, I can go down the outside. It’s good to mix things up and I prefer 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 but am happy in whatever formation really.”

The Barry-born Welshman was Bath’s best player against City, catching the eye with a positive performance that culminated in him being brought down by Michael Ingham for a late penalty.

But City’s former Northern Ireland international went on to save Swallow’s spot-kick, providing the platform for Reed to grab maximum points.

Following his unsuccessful attempt from 12 yards in that match, the former Taunton, Bridgwater, Chippenham and Magnotsfield loan signing is unsure whether to volunteer for the responsibility at his new club.

He said: “I was on loan and wanted to try to score for a new team so, because I’d taken some penalties before, I asked to take the one at York. I didn’t think it was a bad penalty but the ’keeper made a good save.

“I don’t know whether I’ll be taking them for York. I’ll have to see who’s on them and what happens.”

Swallow left Bristol Rovers on transfer deadline day after four years with the Pirates.

He was placed on the transfer-list by former manager Paul Buckle, who was upset when Swallow received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge just five minutes after coming on as a substitute in November’s 6-1 FA Cup victory over Totton.

He was subsequently given permission to train with other clubs and spent two days with the Minstermen at the turn of the year before returning to the Memorial Stadium where Mark McGhee took over the managerial reins from the sacked Buckle.

But McGhee cancelled Swallow’s contract by mutual consent at the end of last month, ending a Rovers career that encompassed 49 games and two goals – both in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

He harbours no bitterness, however, saying: “I’ve watched the red card back a few times and I’m not sure it should have been a sending off. It was just one of those that could have gone either way.

“I would never set out to hurt somebody in a tackle and I was a bit unfortunate but I don’t blame Paul Buckle for transfer listing me. I brought it on myself.

“A new manager then came in and I’d have liked to have played some more games but that’s just the way things go.”

Having played for a Rovers team struggling at the wrong end of League Two and a Bath side who lost eight and drew one of the nine matches he featured in, Swallow has quickly noticed the team harmony at play-off contenders City.

He said: “I picked up on the good atmosphere here straight away here. It’s obviously different being at a team near the top than one at the bottom, as Bath were, but there are no individuals here.

“You can tell there’s a good changing room and everybody wants to play with each other and work as a team to get promoted.”