Playing in the Premier League with a Swansea City shirt on his back is Ashley Williams aim after signing a four year deal with the club.
The 25-year-old defender signed up as he prepared to fly to Helsinki for Wales‘ World Cup qualifier with Finland.
“I’m pleased to commit to the club for another four years,” Williams said.
“Things are looking up on and off the pitch and I’m so happy to be part of it. “The gaffer said I was a big part of his plans and wanted me to stay longer. I enjoy working with him so it didn’t take me long to come to an agreement with the club over this new deal.
“It was a hard first season in the Championship last year, but I think I’ve learnt and grown a lot as a player since I came here. I’ve enjoyed my football and now I’m looking to kick on.
“I’m happy with the way I’m playing, but you can always get better. I’m only 25 and I’ve got a good few years left to get as good as I can.
“It certainly doesn’t stop here for me. I need to keep learning off the gaffer and those I’m involved with on the international scene.
“My aim is still to get into the Premier League with Swansea – and sooner rather than later.”
Williams didn’t get the best of starts to his football career when, as a 16-year-old, he was released by West Brom, but he moved to Hednesford Town and started to work his way back up the ladder, earning extra cash at Drayton Park and as a waiter while playing for the part-timers.
Despite not nailing down a first team place, Williams did enough to attract interest from Oldham before he moved to Stockport County in 2003, making his debut in March 2004 and claiming the club’s young player award at the end of his first season.
In 2006, he took the North West Player of the Year Award – not bad when you look at the competion from the areas four footballing giants – and Stockport’s Player of the Year award at. He was club captain and attracting interest from higher up the pyramid. Luton Leeds and Cardiff were all linked with him before he joined Swans on loan at the end of the 2007-08 season.
His arrival at the Liberty Stadium came just after his first cap for Wales.
“This is the best week of my career,” Williams said then.
“I’m so excited about the move and I can’t wait to get involved. It’s everything I ever wanted.”
Swans‘ club record £400,000 has been value for money with Williams playing every minute of last season and showing his growing versatility by stepping into midfield. His two league goals this season make him his club’s joint top scorer.
Photograph from swanseacity.net
