Gillingham League 1 build up

TOM WILLIAMS is confident that his experience in League 1 will be vital as Gills push for promotion.

The left-back has spent the last two seasons in the division after appearing for Peterborough and Barnsley.

He said: "I’ve been playing in this league now for a couple of seasons and know what it’s about.

"I know what you’ve got to do to get out of it so I’m confident I can bring something extra here.

"If you have a bit of luck with your injuries and keep the squad together you’ve got a great chance.

"There’s a good bunch of lads here and we’ve got good prospects for the season."

Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie was reluctant to let the 25-year-old leave, but with the player unsettled and keen to move back South and the club making cut-backs Williams left on a free, although a significant sell-on clause was attached.

Carshalton-born Williams is glad to be back closer to home and wants to make the left-back position his own.

He said: "I’m a little bit of a local lad because I’m not from too far away in Surrey so it’s good to be playing more locally.

"Left-back is my preferred position but if the manager needs you to play somewhere else you play somewhere else."

Williams is hoping to return to action soon from an ankle injury that was picked up within minutes of his debut at Cambridge but isn’t going to take any risks.

He said: "My injury’s coming along nicely and it’s not too bad. I turned it over at Cambridge with a sprain and I’m just seeing how it’s going every day.

"I don’t want to risk it though as it’s a busy August with seven games in four weeks so there’s no point risking it."

Williams suffered a similar injury at the end of last season and went on a strengthening programme at the start of July to ensure his ankle was fine, with a later scan revealing no ligament or tendon damage.