Player Interview With Gareth Williams

Gareth Williams (Pictured Right)

Center Back Gareth Williams has had a magnificent season for Rangers when he has been called upon by manager Dave Fannon. Although he is on dual registration with Cheshire Football League side Eagle Sports FC, he has offered his services to the blues when Eagle do not have a fixture scheduled.

A ball playing left footed center back, as well as being strong in the air and renowned for scoring goals from the back, ‘Gags’ is a natural leader after captaining Eagle for the last 10 years

The signing of Williams will certainly be a shrewd bit of business for next season aswell, after appearing consecutively in the last 5 games, he has certainly sured things up at the back. The transfer came after Fannon has known Williams for a very long time with him now being at the age of 35, so he has plenty of experience playing at a high level.

“I have known Dave for a while now, and he has been telling me that Fife as a club is growing after winning the league last season. I decided to go to pre-season training before i went back to my main club Eagle Sports. It then became clear that i could sign for both clubs as they are involved in different leagues, so i explained to the manager that i would be available whenever there was no fixture scheduled for Eagle.”

Although his qualities of being comfortable on the ball and strong in the air he explained what other qualities he brings to the Rangers side who are currently bottom of the league. He said “After experiencing my first few games with the side, it was clear that they are very young, and i feel that with my experience i will be able to look after them more on the pitch and communication from the back is such a big aspect of the game at this level.”

Williams has racked up an impressive 29 appearances this season for both clubs, but he announced to the Fife Rangers wesbite that he is to undergo a hernia operation in the summer, something that has been struggling with for the second half of the season.

“I have had the pain for a while now, and a recent trip to the physio confirmed that i have been playing with two hernia’s  for a while  now. I have decided that i will play the final five games of the season for Fife before going in for the operation so that i am back in time for the start of pre-season.

Finally Williams was asked what have been his career highlights and how long he thinks he has left in his legs to continue playing at the level he is currently at.

“I have been playing open age football from the age of 16, so after taking time to adapt to the physicallity of the game i have played semi-professionally at Trafford FC for three seasons. This was the highest level i played at so it has to be the highlight of my career. If my wife lets me, i hope to at least play until i am 40 then i will see how my body is coping.”

Williams has been confirmed as the captain for this weekend’s fixture against Blackbrook FC.

By Danny Burthem

• Posted in: First Team ♦ Interviews ♦ Picture Gallery