Upon his return to regular first team football with the Reds, Ryan Williams spoke to the media this morning.
The attacking midfielder stated how pleased he was to be back playing football following a lengthy lay-off with injuries, then gave his thoughts on how far he feels this Barnsley squad could go this season.
Following the defeat at the weekend against his former Club Fulham, Williams said, “We came up against a very good footballing side which we knew they were anyway. I thought we were really in the game until the penalty, if we go in at half-time 0-0 then it’s a different game. It was a soft penalty but there was nothing we could do about that, so we came out fighting and they scored a really good goal.
“Sometimes you’ve got to put your hands up to that. We worked hard but they overturned us. We had a couple of good chances but the soft penalty killed us.”
The Reds currently sit 10th in the Championship table with 26 games of the season gone, performing above all the pre-season expectations.
“Earlier in the season, with us being in the Championship, I would have taken staying in the division but things change and we are where we are, and we are here for a reason, we deserve to be here and everyone wants to keep going further and further. We’re not just here to stay up, we’re here to cause some chaos.”
Williams is delighted to be back playing regularly and starting matches for Paul Heckingbottom’s side. The attacking playmaker had a lengthy period in on the treatment table which saw him barely kick a ball for 12 months. However, he’s now regained his starting position in the side and wants to remain there.
“I feel like I can now finally give something back to the Club. They’ve given a lot to me and trusted me to come here, gave me an opportunity so it’s nice to give something back to the Club and the fans as well, because it’s been frustrating for me so it must have been for the as well after seeing me sign and not play many games. The way things are going at the moment I feel really happy and long may that continue.”
Having experienced such bad luck with injury, Williams wanted to pay credit to the BFC Medical team and Club staff for sticking by him through the tough times.
“I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy to be honest with you as it takes you to some real dark places. Credit to everyone at the Club who stuck by me, we set out a plan and stuck to it, everyone has been really good and allowed me to be able to focus on what I had to do. It’s all worked out now, so credit to all at the club for helping me.”
Watch the full press conference with Ryan Williams on Barnsley Player HD!
Watch Williams and the rest of his Reds' teammates in action tomorrow night against Blackpool in the FA Cup 3rd Round replay! CLICK HERE to buy your tickets now!
