Cian Harries learned a lesson at Bristol Rovers that he wants to see implemented at his new club Swindon Town: experience matters.
Harries has joined the League Two Robins after his contract at Rovers expired, and he believes he learned plenty from his two and a half years with the Gas that can help Swindon mount a challenge at the top end of the table in the season ahead.
The 25-year-old has grown to understand the value of experience from his time at the Mem, taking plenty of wisdom from the likes of Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan. He believes the leadership of veteran players is invaluable to a team targeting promotion.
“The group (at Swindon) hasn’t been together that long and we haven’t got any older heads in as of yet," Harries told the Swindon Advertiser.
“I have seen first hand at Bristol Rovers last year that it was without a shadow of a doubt the older heads leading the younger heads that eventually got Bristol Rovers promoted last year.
“The likes of Paul Coutts who had been there, done that, got the T-shirt, who guided the young boys with really, really good ability, which we have here.
“I think we just need to add a few more players with a bit more know-how and have the right balance between them and the ones who have got the youthfulness and the freshness.”
Former Wales under-21 international Harries played 56 times for the Gas after joining from Swansea City in January 2020. He was a regular starter under Ben Garner, but he drifted to the fringes of the squad in his final months with the Gas, making just 16 League Two appearances in his final season with the club as Rovers won automatic promotion.
Harries built his reputation as a young player on his passing range and comfortability on the ball, and although his former manager Garner has left Swindon for Charlton Athletic, he is eager to show his qualities at The County Ground.
“I played against Swindon last season with Bristol Rovers and they absolutely passed us off the pitch at the Mem," he added. “I remember coming off after that game blowing out of my backside thinking ‘what have I just been hit by?’
“I couldn’t see a team at that level being able to pass the ball and control a game that well.
“I spoke with the gaffer and that was it then, it was done, I didn’t want to wait for anyone else.
“For me defending is first and foremost but you are also there to provide a platform for the attacking players to go and play off. It is no good me clipping a ball into Harry McKirdy’s, Louis Reed’s, or Jonny Williams’ neck, it is no good to them, I need to provide a playing platform for them to go and win games.”
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