Former Wales international Jonny Williams has signed for Gillingham, despite Bradford City paying for his hotel ahead of his medical. The midfielder was a free agent after leaving Swindon Town and had offers from Gillingham, Bradford and Wrexham. However, the 29-year-old chose Gillingham due to the proximity to his home in Kent. Williams began his career at Crystal Palace and played 70 times for the club before joining Charlton. He has also had loan spells at Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland. At international level, Williams made 33 appearances for Wales, including during their EURO 2016 run to the semi-final.
Heading 1: Jonny Williams signs for Gillingham
Jonny Williams has signed for Gillingham, despite Bradford City paying for his hotel ahead of his medical. The midfielder was a free agent after leaving Swindon Town and had offers from Gillingham, Bradford and Wrexham. However, the 29-year-old chose Gillingham due to the proximity to his home in Kent.
Heading 2: Williams’ career so far
Williams began his career at Crystal Palace and played 70 times for the club before joining Charlton. He has also had loan spells at Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland. At international level, Williams made 33 appearances for Wales, including during their EURO 2016 run to the semi-final.
Heading 3: Gillingham’s announcement
Gillingham used the announcement of their new pink third kit as a means to unveil the surprise signing of Williams to fans. In a video posted on Twitter, fans walk into the room thinking they’ll see the new kit, but are in fact seeing Williams modelling it.
Heading 4: Williams’ decision to join Gillingham
Williams chose to join Gillingham over Bradford due to the proximity to his home in Kent. Speaking to KentOnline, he said: “I want to be near home, that is where my friends and family are. I want to be part of this project and it was an opportunity I have always wanted to take in my career to play for Gillingham, close to home and be a part of a team that is likely to achieve success.”
Heading 5: Williams’ unsuccessful move to Wrexham
Williams had also received an offer from Wrexham, which is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Welsh club had hoped to convince the former Welsh star to join their project. However, Williams ultimately decided to join Gillingham.
Heading 6: Williams’ decision to pull the plug on Bradford move
Williams revealed that he pulled the plug on his Bradford transfer just two hours before his medical. Speaking to KentOnline, he said: “Bradford is a very big club, a great club in this division, a well-respected club. It has its positives but when Gillingham came in it was a hard decision, a lot of thought, not a lot of sleep.”
Heading 7: Williams’ future at Gillingham
Williams will be hoping to make an impact at Gillingham and help the club achieve success. The midfielder’s experience at international level and in the Football League will be valuable assets for the League One side.