If the first part of his medical goes well later today then Josh Ginnelly will be announced as a Swansea City player over this weekend. Terms at the time of writing were still under discussion but ‘nothing significant’ seems to be on the horizon to stop this going through.
The now Ex Hearts man opted to sign for Swansea on Thursday evening after deliberating over several offers. However, we understand that it wasn’t a huge decision, and as Josh knows Michael Duff already - and with the new found momentum spearheaded by Sporting Director Paul Watson there wasn’t much to think about.
During his time at Burnley, Ginnelly found himself on loan at Altrincham, Walsall, Lincoln and Tranmere. Later he signed for Walsall then Preston North End but nothing really got going for him. The Lillywhites first loaning him out to Bristol Rovers and then to Heart Of Midlothian. That was 2020 and Ginnelly at last found his feet two years ago at Gorgie Road. Most certainly a late developer. Having been loaned to Hearts initially, Preston then released Ginnelly and he was quickly snapped up by the Edinburgh side on a two season deal. That has been a complete success for Josh, operating on both flanks and providing assists on the way he has demonstrated not only his pace and toughness out wide, he has banged in a load of goals as well.
He is adaptable as well.
It could have been League one for Ginnelly as Michael Duff has had his eye on the player for some while. Whilst at Barnsley, Duff kept tabs on Josh, but alongside Paul Watson only in the last week we have seen the twenty six year old secured, and almost signed and sealed this morning. That’s the veracity Swans fans want to see applied to their transfer business. A clear intention to get who Duff wants - and do it quickly without dragging the matter out. We understand another forward is being sought and has been spoken to already pending the potential loss of Joel Piroe and Morgan Whittaker.
That name should surface early next week.
What we are seeing here, and yes it’s all positive is a huge cloud now lifted from over the club. Russell Martin’s departure it seems has been the catalyst to seek out the best the championship has to offer in management and coaching staff. In Ginnelly’s case he has taken a long time to be seen as an effective player, and maybe only a slight gamble overall. The championship at most levels is a far better product than the Scottish Premiership, so Josh on a weekly basis is making a step up from what he knows.
Here’s what Hearts fans think of Ginnelly from one of their fans forums ‘HMFC KIckback’
K1874 : First name on the team sheet for me. We are an entirely more effective team with Gino in it.
ShooterMcgavin : Ginnelly would be a big loss. He’s our 2nd biggest goal threat, and a big reason as to why Shanklands goal haul has been so impressive.
BuffaloBill : It’s a failing of the football department that we find ourselves losing Gino, and for nothing. We’ve got a guy who’s had offers from Championship clubs with money to burn and he’s left for nothing.
NaisysTackle: Good move for him. Michael Duffs a manager on the up too.
AussieJambo : Gino. Great player but always had a chip on his shoulder. Only player I’ve ever seen that scored a goal and pretty much telling us fans to **** off.
Ginnelly does split some of the Jambo’s support but overall it’s clear he made an impression at Tynecastle. Here’s hoping he is the first of numerous, exciting signings the club will be announcing over the coming weeks.