Western Daily Press (Saturday)
I’ve learned massively over the past year – Joe
so much in bursts. I feel really good still, but I know I can get a bit more out of myself in the coming weeks.”
Williams’ return has helped with the absence of Han-Noah Massengo, whose hamstring injury sustained late on in the 2-1 win over QPR coincided with the Everton academy graduate building his fitness levels to the point he could play.
After 26 eye-catching minutes against Fulham, Williams was then given starting roles at Millwall and Peterborough, bringing real drive and aggression in the middle of the park, exemplified by his barrelling run that led to Chris Martin’s winner at London Road. With Massengo training again, it now opens up the potential for an exciting trio of the Frenchman, Williams and the guiding, experienced hand of Matty James at the base of the engine room.
Not only is that an enticing prospect, it helps Pearson in his quest to regularly play a 4-3-3 – his favoured formation – as those three begin ensure that City should be impactful in both boxes.
Williams’ passionate celebrations at the end of the win over Posh can be explained beyond the nature of City’s 3-2 victory, as finishing that game marked as much of a personal achievement as it did the team in a collective sense, given how long he had been unable to play through 90 minutes.
“It was tough, everyone was going through a difficult period but, for me personally, it was probably the toughest year of my life,” Williams added. “But I do think I’m a mentally strong person and I’ve dealt with challenges in the past. It was tough, but I never had any doubts I wouldn’t come back the same player.
“I’ve learned massively over the past year, pushing myself a little bit too much and too early. Around November-December last year, I just got knock-back after knock-back, everyone was taking every little bit out of me. I was just drained.
“And then I came back and played in two games. We played Cardiff and I just felt mentally drained and then we played Sheffield United and I got a really bad hamstring (injury).
“Obviously that was a difficult one, but I sort of knew after that I’d come back stronger. After the operation it felt like a clean slate, I felt fresh.”
Ninth in the division and just two points off the play-off positions following the win over Peterborough a fortnight ago, City could barely have asked for tougher opposition as they attempt to bring their long run without a home victory to an end.
Bournemouth lead the second tier with 25 points, having won seven games, drawn four and not yet lost in the League this season.