Getting to know Ed Williams: A profile of Doncaster Rovers' latest signing

The 25-year-old had been on trial with the club for a fortnight prior to putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Here, we take a look at Williams’ career so far.

Name: Ed Williams

Born: July 20, 1995, Cheltenham

HE BEGAN FOOTBALLING LIFE AS A ROBIN

Williams came through the academy at Cheltenham Town and impressed enough to be handed a one-year senior contract. He did not manage to break into the first team during that time and left the club in 2014, with suggestions he still needed to develop his physicality in order to make it.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

After leaving Cheltenham, he signed for nearby Gloucester City and spent three years with the National League North/South side. Williams coupled his football with studying at degree at Hartpury University, whom he also represented in the BUCS Football League. He won Gloucester’s player of the year award in the 2017/18 season and left the club having made 80 starts.

TECHNICALLY GIFTED

Williams fits the mould of a Darren Moore player - being good with the ball at his feet and keen to drive forward in possession. He also offers versatility, having experienced playing across the midfield.

HAPPY AS A HARRIER

Following his departure from Gloucester, Williams joined Kidderminster Harriers in the summer of 2018, also in National League North. He scored 15 goals in 51 appearances for Kidderminster before turning down the chance to stay in order to pursue a career in league football.

HE’S BEEN CAPPED AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Williams won two caps for the England C team - which is comprised of players plying their trade outside league football.

He won his first cap in a 3-0 win over Estonia U23s in October 2018 and played against Wales C last March.

ROVERS’ INTEREST IS NOT NEW

Williams had accepted an invitation for a trial at Rovers in January and was set to play in an U23s game. But an injury prevented him from travelling north, with the trial ultimately postponed until the summer.

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