Williams gets first contract
CHARLIE Williams has been rewarded with a professional contract for Burton Albion after an impressive start to the season and a first team debut.
Academy product Charlie Williams, a second-year scholar, came to the Brewers at 15 following seven years on Aston Villa’s books.
He had been named in match-day squads for League games this season before starting and playing an hour in the 2-1 defeat to MK Dons in the Papa John’s Trophy last week.
“It’s one of those things that I’ve been dreaming about since I came to the club, receiving a pro contract and making my debut,” said Williams.
“Although it didn’t exactly go to plan result-wise, I still think it was a good experience for learning and for the future.
“It was weird – I came down to the dressing room and saw my dad, my mum and my girlfriend and I thought ‘what are they doing here so early?’ but my dad knew and kept it from me!
“It was a good surprise and it felt great for them to tell me about the contract while all of my family were there.”
Academy manager Dan Robinson said: “He is an exciting player who came through our late youth phase.
“He is a player who has grabbed the opportunity to impress, doing well against Belper Town and coming back to further impress the manager and Dino Maamria here.”
“Charlie has been doing very well in matches and training and he has earned this opportunity,” said manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
“He has been keen to get on the pitch and deserved to make his debut against MK Dons.
“It’s another example of the brilliant work being done by our Academy in bringing through good players but also good people, like Charlie.”