Joe Williams believes Bristol City are “heading in the right direction” after the midfielder signed a new three-year contract at Ashton Gate to ensure the Robins have started the summer on the right foot.
Williams was due to bebcome a free agent next month as his previous agreement was expiring and the 27-year-old had been attracting interest across the Championship with Preston North End known to be one of his admirers. But the Scouser, who signed for City four years ago from Wigan Athletic, has ended any possibility of him turning out for a rival by committing his future in BS3.
It makes for a perfect early off-season move for the Robins given replacing Williams would have made for a challenging and likely expensive exercise as he has continued to grow in stature to become a hugely influential player under Liam Manning.
Williams played in 45 games last season, making 30 starts in the Championship. He seemed like a vital member of the City midfield, having the most consistent season of his career while wearing a red and white shirt.
Williams remarked, “I’m happy to have it resolved and I’m excited for the next few years.” “I feel like we’re heading in a really good direction right now, so it was just about getting it done and staying here,” the speaker said. “All the conversations were always positive.”
Next season, Manning will have some intriguing choices in center midfield as Williams will have competition for playing time from Jason Knight, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, and recent addition Max Bird. Adam Murphy, an Under-21 international for the Republic of Ireland, may also make an appearance in the starting lineup.
Williams is tough and aggressive while not in control, but last season he showed his growth when in possession, making several spectacular passes to set up Tommy Conway in the FA Cup third round match against West Ham.
The 27-year-old former Everton academy product is in a position to have the best years of his career at Ashton Gate, as he appears to be rid of the hamstring issues that hindered him during his first two years at City.Manning remarked, “Joe has been fantastic during my time here, and I’m happy to have him as part of the squad moving forward.” It is evident that he is determined to succeed, which is a crucial quality for any
Manning would have preferred to expand on his 11th-place performance from the previous season, thus Williams’ exit wouldn’t have fit with the preferred plan. Now that Conway is approaching the last 12 months of his contract in BS3, City will try to keep his services by adding an offensive midfielder—ideally Scott Twine—a powerful No. 9 and a winger to the lineup.
Joe’s signing a new contract is exciting news, according to technical director Brian Tinnion. “As we look to advance as a club, locking him down for the next three years is really important.”
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