Bristol City today unveiled the signing of Gavin Williams from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee. The creative, attacking midfielder who can play on the wing and in an attacking midfield role has signed a two year deal with The Reds. It is the first signing of the summer for Gary Johnson as he looks to build a squad capable on replicating and improving on last season's success.
The Welsh international, 27, will have some familiar faces in the dressing room having played alongside Michael McIndoe, Lee Johnson and Chris Weale at Yeovil Town where of course they were managed by Gary Johnson. It is the second time Johnson has bought Williams, having signed him for Yeovil from Hereford United. Williams was voted player of the year by the fans at Edgar Street and his time at Yeovil was no less successful.
He was part of the team that gained promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history. Williams himself admits he "Played the best football of my career" at Huish Park. His energetic performances did not go unnoticed, and West Ham United paid £250,000 for his services in 2004. Despite an excellent goal at Elland Road against Leeds United and being called up into the Welsh national team, Williams struggled to hold down a first team place and was loaned out to Ipswich Town in 2005.
His impressive performances persuaded boss Joe Royle to sign Williams up to a full time contract and he left The Hammers for Ipswich Town in a deal worth £300,000. The following spell was an enduring one as knee and ankle injuries blighted his prospects at the club and he only started 11 games last season, including the game at Ashton Gate. Jim Magilton parted company with the player yesterday claiming Williams was "Unfulfilled potential" at Portman Road.
Gavin Williams arrives at Ashton Gate fully fit, hoping that with a pre-season under his belt, he can kick start his stuttering carrer. It is clear what his ambitions are for the club, "I don't see why we can't improve on last season's success and gain promotion into the Premier League." Johnson has bought a player to Bristol City that he knows and admires, a player that will add creativity and energy to an already impressive midfield.
For those who have bcfcWorld, video search the 2004-2005 season for Yeovil and Gavin Williams to see a peach of a goal scored by our new signing against Bristol Rovers, to quench the thirst.
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