Williams hopes to emulate old teammate (From This Is Swindon Town FC)
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SWINDON TOWN: Williams hopes to emulate old teammate
5:50am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Headlines By Sam Morshead
Town's Andy Williams
ANDY Williams hopes to follow in the footsteps of a former teammate who has gone on to reach the top level of the game, as he embarks on the next stage of his career with Swindon Town.
Williams was officially unveiled as a Swindon player on Monday, ending more than a month of speculation linking him with a move to the County Ground after he turned down the offer of a new contract at Yeovil.
The 25-year-old has signed up to Paolo Di Canio’s blueprint for promotion to the Championship within two years, and he revealed that his ambition to play in the second tier has only been heightened by the sight of ex-Bristol Rovers colleague Rickie Lambert forging his path through the Football League and eventually into the Premiership with Southampton last season.
The pair played together for a term at the Memorial Stadium, and since then the 30-year-old forward has gone on to set an example that Williams is keen to emulate with the Robins.
“My first season I had 20-odd games with him but unfortunately my four goals didn’t live up to his 20-odd so it soon changed,” he told the Advertiser.
“He was one of the best players I’ve played with, he was technically brilliant and I hope he produces and goes on to show everyone in the Premier League what he can do now.
“My aim definitely at the moment is to make my way into the Championship.
“I think I’ve come to a place where I can surround myself with good players and that can only help me improve as a person and a player.”
Williams also feels time is on his side as he begins his quest for Championship football.
At 25, the Hereford-born frontman has already garnered plenty of experience in the lower leagues, and he is confident of making a name for himself in the seasons to come.
“I’d like to think, at 25, there are more than enough years left in me to do that,” he said.
“A lot of good strikers over the years have gone on from this sort of age and kicked on in their careers.
“You look at your Rickie Lamberts and your (Jermaine) Beckfords and stuff, so I’m looking to follow in those sort of footsteps and hopefully take my 17 goals last season and build on it in a successful team here.”
Comments(38)
toshman
says...
8:14am Wed 20 Jun 12
mallorca wrote:I'm not sure why everyone brings Ritchie's sale into every signing we make. He's a key player and dicanio would not have signed if he was told key players had to be sold in order for him to bring in new ones. Besides which Ritchie is not bigger than the club and was largely awful in the second half of the year
Hope he turns into a right little star as last season other when Paul Benson came in we struggled up front.Yet super sub Connel played well and worked hard.
Will be interesting to see who goes,I still think Mat Ritchie just might be sold to pay for part of this new budget.
I do hope I'm totally wrong but we all get feelings at times for me I can see quite a few going.
London Red
says...
8:19am Wed 20 Jun 12
.
How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it?
.
Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!
eastern red
says...
8:25am Wed 20 Jun 12
hungerford robin
says...
8:26am Wed 20 Jun 12
mallorca
says...
8:51am Wed 20 Jun 12
as said i do hope he does not go
\END OF
Stratton Red
says...
9:14am Wed 20 Jun 12
London Red wrote:So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it.
You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!
*
Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
EastleazeRed
says...
9:30am Wed 20 Jun 12
London Red
says...
10:11am Wed 20 Jun 12
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Obviously we would take that kind of money but as that is not EVER going to be offered it is pointless to even state that
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We all know every player has their price - but no one has come near Ritchie's so he is not going simply to "balance the books" which is what is repeatedly being stated
London Red
says...
10:14am Wed 20 Jun 12
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Considering the outcry over McCormack there is no way lots of STFC fans could accept him without showing themselves up to be total hypocrites!
.
That's when I suggessted Navarro as an alternaitve
Reality Red
says...
11:01am Wed 20 Jun 12
I am sure many will follow on here. Moonriver ...
hertz
says...
12:12pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Only if he misses , Moonriver wider than a mile :0)
Swindon1984
says...
12:12pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Stratton Red wrote:As per LR's post, no-one's paying that kind of money for League 1 players so it's irrelevant. If we were looking to spend big on a player we'd be offloading players like Ritchie before we were making new signings.
London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it. * Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
He did drop off in form towards the end of the season so glad he finished on a high with the goal against PV. Better things next season hopfeully.
London Red
says...
12:31pm Wed 20 Jun 12
.
That is a really good price and would easily allow PdC to buy a replacement and probably another player on top (i.e. Danny Ward was only £1m)
.
Though if we were looking to balance the books etc then we would have accepted Bournemouth's bid which was meant to have gone up to around £750k - making a tidy £500k profit in under a year!
.
That is the main difference - we now only sell when the deal is right - not just when a deal is on the table like we use to
.
Ritchie is not proven enough yet to go beyond the Championship and no Championship club will pay that for him
.
Ipswich were rumoured to be wanting him and Caddis for only £1.5m combined
Steve. Brentford
says...
12:39pm Wed 20 Jun 12
London Red wrote:Calm down love!
You are totally wrong!!
.
How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it?
.
Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!
Wilesy
says...
1:01pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Swindon1984 wrote:The going rate for top L2 players ranges from £1m ish for Barnett from Crawley to £4m for Powell from Crewe.
Stratton Red wrote:As per LR's post, no-one's paying that kind of money for League 1 players so it's irrelevant. If we were looking to spend big on a player we'd be offloading players like Ritchie before we were making new signings. He did drop off in form towards the end of the season so glad he finished on a high with the goal against PV. Better things next season hopfeully.London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it. * Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
I thought £2m was the target price quoted by PDC for Ritchie? I would definitely take that if offered.
Our other crown jewel I think is Fodders, surely worth £2m+?
Stratton Red
says...
1:03pm Wed 20 Jun 12
London Red wrote:That now makes sense and nothing like what your earlier post stated...
We all know Ritchie's price - PdC said he would sell him for £2.5m! . That is a really good price and would easily allow PdC to buy a replacement and probably another player on top (i.e. Danny Ward was only £1m) . Though if we were looking to balance the books etc then we would have accepted Bournemouth's bid which was meant to have gone up to around £750k - making a tidy £500k profit in under a year! . That is the main difference - we now only sell when the deal is right - not just when a deal is on the table like we use to . Ritchie is not proven enough yet to go beyond the Championship and no Championship club will pay that for him . Ipswich were rumoured to be wanting him and Caddis for only £1.5m combined
*
The one thing that may still catch us out (like many clubs) is short contracts and renewals. If a player wont extend do we cash in on him? personally I would always say yes even if that had meant e.g. selling Billy Paynter to Bristol when you're pushing for promotion.
Swindon1984
says...
1:34pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Wilesy wrote:Exactly, exceptional players will go for a few million at most, if we were offered a couple for Ritchie we'd probably take it but it must be remembered that's still a lot of money for a club at this level - you've mentioned Powell but that was an exceptional case.
Swindon1984 wrote:The going rate for top L2 players ranges from £1m ish for Barnett from Crawley to £4m for Powell from Crewe. I thought £2m was the target price quoted by PDC for Ritchie? I would definitely take that if offered. Our other crown jewel I think is Fodders, surely worth £2m+?Stratton Red wrote:As per LR's post, no-one's paying that kind of money for League 1 players so it's irrelevant. If we were looking to spend big on a player we'd be offloading players like Ritchie before we were making new signings. He did drop off in form towards the end of the season so glad he finished on a high with the goal against PV. Better things next season hopfeully.London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it. * Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
Would agree with the other point made that we would sell a player if a good bid came in but we won't just sell for the sake of it anymore which has to be a good thing.
Alan B'stard
says...
1:37pm Wed 20 Jun 12
He was gash for the gas.
ciclosporindorset
says...
1:38pm Wed 20 Jun 12
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
2:36pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Alan B'stard wrote:So was your team last season after being tipped as favourites by some.
Unlucky guys. He was gash for the gas.
London Red
says...
3:34pm Wed 20 Jun 12
.
I'm guessing he doesn't have the clause where STFC can activate it like Caddis did
.
So as he is likely to demand a wage increase (justified) the club will probably want to wait until the squad is in place to know what they can pay
.
Once the summer recruitment drive is finished the priority is to tie down all the key men to 2014 min
.
That would then give us a core squad of:
.
Fodders*
Caddis*
Thompson(*)
Flint
Macca
Devera
Ritchie
Ferry
Rooney*
Roberts*
Williams*
Collins*
.
* Already conracted to 2014
.
(*) Assumed same 2 year offer like Bodin
Hull Robin
says...
3:50pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford
says...
3:56pm Wed 20 Jun 12
London Red wrote:Hello LR, i reckon if you worked under PDC you wouldn't last long :O)
Summer is not over yet - so Ritchie might well get his renewed shortly
.
I'm guessing he doesn't have the clause where STFC can activate it like Caddis did
.
So as he is likely to demand a wage increase (justified) the club will probably want to wait until the squad is in place to know what they can pay
.
Once the summer recruitment drive is finished the priority is to tie down all the key men to 2014 min
.
That would then give us a core squad of:
.
Fodders*
Caddis*
Thompson(*)
Flint
Macca
Devera
Ritchie
Ferry
Rooney*
Roberts*
Williams*
Collins*
.
* Already conracted to 2014
.
(*) Assumed same 2 year offer like Bodin
as you say he only wants people who give it there all hahaha
I can see it now
Breaking news
The man from Surrey none as LR has been told he can find alternate employment after PDC found evidence of hours worth of unconditional love aimed at him personally on ter tinternet but very little in the way of work he`s paid to do....
ciclosporindorset
says...
3:57pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Swindon1984
says...
4:13pm Wed 20 Jun 12
ciclosporindorset wrote:Bit OTT wasn't it?
Blimey Hull Robin, have you been on the **** this lunchtime?
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
4:25pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Alan B'stard wrote:Rene Howe was also gash for the gas, and you got rid of him.
Unlucky guys. He was gash for the gas.
He then turned out to be a Super Star for Torquay Utd with loads of other clubs looking to sign him.
Also Paul Trollope was a good manager for Rovers, but got the sack prematurely, followed by a Rovers Relegation.
Bristol Rovers remain in League Two.
CraigClark
says...
4:28pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Swindon1984 wrote:Very amusing though. :)
ciclosporindorset wrote:Bit OTT wasn't it?
Blimey Hull Robin, have you been on the **** this lunchtime?
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
4:54pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford wrote:Catching any Stevo ?
London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!Calm down love!
Take LR fishing mate he needs some chill time.
London Red
says...
5:46pm Wed 20 Jun 12
.
Ironic he had a go at me over the thing I was having a go at!
.
Steve yes my month end has finally finished so have a bit more time on my hands - though don't worry about my productivity I do more than my fair share when needed including 07:30 starts, late nights and weekend work
.
Duke - just bored of reading Ritchie to be sold everyday
Steve. Brentford
says...
6:08pm Wed 20 Jun 12
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Duke,i had 16 carp to 58lb.
Steve. Brentford wrote:Catching any Stevo ?
London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!Calm down love!
Take LR fishing mate he needs some chill time.
and catfish of 96lb.
Back to reality now though
and to me that means Tidal Thames carping, not as picturesque as the beautiful Teme but a real challenge all the same with the occasional Barbel here and there.
The teams coming together mate looks like we will be seeing another season of good football, i trust you and your fellow Oxfordshire Reds will be there to witness the assault as per norm...
Steve. Brentford
says...
6:27pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford wrote:No worrying from me James, just a bit of leg pulling that's all.PS if you think 7.30am is a early start you should speak to some of my blokes, 7.30 would be a lay in for them :O)
London Red wrote:Hello LR, i reckon if you worked under PDC you wouldn't last long :O)
Summer is not over yet - so Ritchie might well get his renewed shortly
.
I'm guessing he doesn't have the clause where STFC can activate it like Caddis did
.
So as he is likely to demand a wage increase (justified) the club will probably want to wait until the squad is in place to know what they can pay
.
Once the summer recruitment drive is finished the priority is to tie down all the key men to 2014 min
.
That would then give us a core squad of:
.
Fodders*
Caddis*
Thompson(*)
Flint
Macca
Devera
Ritchie
Ferry
Rooney*
Roberts*
Williams*
Collins*
.
* Already conracted to 2014
.
(*) Assumed same 2 year offer like Bodin
as you say he only wants people who give it there all hahaha
I can see it now
Breaking news
The man from Surrey none as LR has been told he can find alternate employment after PDC found evidence of hours worth of unconditional love aimed at him personally on ter tinternet but very little in the way of work he`s paid to do....
ciclosporindorset
says...
6:41pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford
says...
6:54pm Wed 20 Jun 12
ciclosporindorset wrote:At least they found a place to get away from you Dorset haha
Yeh I got married on one occasion near hull and had a stag do there. It was dire but to be fair when my second wife left she went to live in hull too.needless to say I never go anywhere nee the place. Ex wife's and ignorant feckers one and all!
Where did wife 3 and 4 go to escape...
avo
says...
7:21pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Stratton Red wrote:you quote a 10 million quid bid and 'get real' in the same sentence?
London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it. * Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
*
LOL!!!!!!
Stratton Red
says...
7:55pm Wed 20 Jun 12
avo wrote:Exaggeration for effect... It ruffled LRs feathers which is always a plus... (only joking LR before your feather twitch...)
Stratton Red wrote:you quote a 10 million quid bid and 'get real' in the same sentence? * LOL!!!!!!London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!So if a £10m bid came in we'd say no? Get real, Like JW said himself, there's no room for sentiment, I take that to mean the door swings both ways. Every player will have his price. I'm sure PDC knows this and provided he received a good chunk of the transfer fee he would accept it. * Like 99.9% of clubs around the world we are and always will be a selling club.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
8:32pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford wrote:Indeed mate coming together and the Oxfordshire Reds are looking forward.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Duke,i had 16 carp to 58lb. and catfish of 96lb. Back to reality now though and to me that means Tidal Thames carping, not as picturesque as the beautiful Teme but a real challenge all the same with the occasional Barbel here and there. The teams coming together mate looks like we will be seeing another season of good football, i trust you and your fellow Oxfordshire Reds will be there to witness the assault as per norm...Steve. Brentford wrote:Catching any Stevo ? Take LR fishing mate he needs some chill time.London Red wrote: You are totally wrong!! . How many times does Wray have to say it before some people believe it? . Don't give me the history nonsmece normally spouted out either - JW said he's not going and in Jan rejected all bids - that's all the history you need - JW man of his word!Calm down love!
Great fishing that, nice one. Went a few hours on the Cherwell the other night and landed a nice Chub of 4lb 12 although no Barbel I guess the Otters are getting bigger or I am losing my touch ;)
Anyway I am off early dawn Friday for another bash on the Mid Thames. Sadly a shadow of its former glory.
ciclosporindorset
says...
10:15pm Wed 20 Jun 12
ciclosporindorset wrote:Ha ha. My 3rd is an absolute princess and she is goin no where near hull.
Yeh I got married on one occasion near hull and had a stag do there. It was dire but to be fair when my second wife left she went to live in hull too.needless to say I never go anywhere nee the place. Ex wife's and ignorant feckers one and all!
mallorca says...
7:34am Wed 20 Jun 12
Will be interesting to see who goes,I still think Mat Ritchie just might be sold to pay for part of this new budget.
I do hope I'm totally wrong but we all get feelings at times for me I can see quite a few going.