Tremmel signs for Swans
Posted on: Tue 30 Aug 2011
Swansea City today bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of Gerhard Tremmel.
The German stopper has signed a two-year contract at the Liberty Stadium following a successful trial with the Swans.
Tremmel, who has previously played in the Bundesliga for Hannover, Hertha Berlin and Energie Cottbus, has joined on a free transfer after leaving Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg this summer.
The 32-year-old joined up with the Swans during their Austrian training camp in July, and featured in their friendly match with the United Arab Emirates' Olympic team.
Brendan Rodgers then brought Tremmel to South Wales to take another look at the former Bayern Munich trainee, who played in the friendly victories over Celtic and Real Betis at the Liberty.
Now, with David Cornell out on loan at League Two club Hereford, Brendan has strengthened his options with the arrival of Tremmel, who battles for the number one shirt with Michel Vorm and Jose Moreira.
"I'm delighted to be here as a Swansea player," said Tremmel. "I've been with the club for quite a while on trial, and I already felt a part of the squad as everyone here has been so welcoming. It is a family club.
"I have also had the chance to see how the team gets on in the Premier League, and I've been impressed with what I've seen.
"But I've got a big challenge ahead of me. Of course, I have to be patient because Michel has been playing very well and Jose is also pushing to play.
"However, I feel I have good experience to share from my time playing in the Bundesliga, and that could help us this season.
"But first I need to get my chance, which I will work hard for and I will also be patient.
"I'm just looking forward to getting started officially as a Swansea player."
Gerhard Tremmel with goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker during the training camp in Austria.
Tremmel, who will the squad number 25, is expected to be involved in tomorrow night's Premier Reserve League South match against Liverpool at Llanelli's Parc y Scarlets (7pm).
But this won't be his introduction to English opposition - he was in the Salzburg side that played against Manchester City in the Europa League last season.
And he feels the Swans have already started to show both their potential and brave attitude in the top flight.
"When I arrived here on trial, I thought 'this is not a normal club.' By that I mean the players and coaches were so brave in their approach," added Tremmel.
"They weren't worrying about the massive challenge of the Premier League, they just wanted to play the style in which they believe in.
"How many teams go into the Premier League and do that? Not many.
"But here the attitude is to play the right way - keeping the ball and playing it from the keeper, which is great to be a part of. I am a goalkeeper that likes to involved in the way the team plays, and Salzburg played in a similar way to Swansea, so it is not difficult for me to fit in.
"I've always wanted to play in the Premier League for the style and the atmosphere the fans create.
"I can't wait to be a part of that."
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