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      Wigan won the FA Cup and could have avoided relegation three days later if we’d celebrated properly, says Paul Scharner

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      PAUL SCHARNER is proud to be the only Austrian to have won an FA Cup final.But that glorious day for Wigan at Wembley in 2013 is tinged with deep regret for the former defender.
      Paul Scharner shows off his 2013 FA Cup winners medal and shirt he wore that day against Manchester City at home in Austria
      Austrian ace Paul Scharner proudly holds aloft the FA Cup at Wembley
      That is because Scharner believes then boss Roberto Martinez and owner Dave Whelan’s decision not to let the team celebrate that weekend contributed to their relegation from the Premier League three days later.
      And as a consequence the club have suffered dark days since — going into administration and yo-yo’ing between the Championship and League One.
      Scharner flew home and refused to go on an open-top bus parade with the trophy when the team were finally allowed to enjoy their historic 1-0 win over Manchester City nine days later.
      And the Latics cult hero, now 43, told SunSport: “I was too hurt. Winning the FA Cup was the biggest achievement in Wigan’s history but we had been relegated.
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      “I skipped the bus parade and flew home. I watched the videos later but couldn’t imagine I’d stay on the bus celebrating like we’d won the league.
      “Of course, I missed something because half of Wigan was on the streets celebrating but I couldn’t throw away my sad emotions and celebrate like we’d only had success.”
      Wigan celebrate winning the FA Cup with boss Roberto Martinez
      It had been a bizarre sequence of events caused by the FA Cup final being played one week before the domestic league season finished.
      Wigan, who host Manchster United in the third round on Monday night, had written one of the most glorious chapters in FA Cup history after Ben Watson’s injury-time winner stunned Roberto Mancini’s Premier League champions.
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      But they had to win at Arsenal in their penultimate game of the season three nights later or drop into the Championship.
      So the decision was made for Martinez and his players to travel home by coach that evening with alcohol banned so champagne was replaced by Lucozade.
      We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday.It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal matchPAUL SCHARNER
      And Scharner recalled: “Dave Whelan came into the dressing room after the game and said, ‘Congratulations, boys  — but we need to concentrate on Tuesday.’
      “We’d made history for Wigan and pulled off one of the biggest cup final shocks.
      “It was the same with Martinez, ‘The focus must be on Arsenal.’
      “But looking back, had I been the manager, I’d have stayed in London and not travelled back until after the Arsenal game on Tuesday.
      “We should’ve had a big celebration until Sunday evening before starting preparations on Monday. 
      “It would’ve brought more energy for the Arsenal match. When you’re in this unbelievably happy moment after such a big win, you must focus on the emotions and keep the energy you had on the pitch on Saturday because we’d won the FA Cup. 
      “I don’t think it was the best decision to go back to Wigan with no celebration.”
      The team, having travelled home with the flattest celebration ever, then had to come all the way back to North London a couple of days later.
      And despite a spirited first-half performance Wigan were thumped 4-1 by the Gunners.
      Wigan were relegated from the Premier League at Arsenal three days after the biggest win of their history
      Scharner sighed: “Theo Walcott killed us in the second half. It was difficult for me because one of the main targets I had in my career was never to have a relegation on my CV.
      “All the things that have happened to the club since were a consequence of that season.”
      The Austrian was on loan for the second half of the FA Cup-winning season from Hamburg to help Martinez shore up his leaky defence — but he had previously enjoyed four seasons at the club from 2006 to 2010.
      And he believes Wigan never fully fulfilled their potential when they were in the top-flight because Whelan was not ambitious enough.
      Scharner points to the 2008-09 season when the club were flying high under Steve Bruce and sitting sixth halfway through the season with European football a realistic target.
      He said: “Whelan was so happy with Premier League status. He only looked at that.
      David Whelan was not ambitious about European football and sold his best players
      “He didn’t grow his target and that’s why Wigan stopped developing.
      “A good example was in 2008-09 when we were sixth after Christmas and he sold Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios, our main players, during the January transfer window to Aston Villa and Tottenham.
      “And that is because Whelan wasn’t interested in Wigan playing European football. I can tell you now: we had definite potential at that time to compete in the top third of the table.”
      Scharner revealed the mental pressure made him feel ill on the morning of the final — and he added: “During the game, my body temperature skyrocketed but I couldn’t stop because I wanted to win the trophy.
      “I was near to having some tears when walking out. You cannot allow emotions to overwhelm you but also need to keep some for on the pitch.
      “During my career, I set up two or three special mental tricks to stop it. One was to put a stop sign in my mind to immediately stop negative thoughts.”
      Scharner, famed for his wacky haircuts and dress sense, never played senior football again after Wigan’s final game in 2013 against Aston Villa — deciding to retire after failing to get a look-in when he returned to Hamburg.
      The Austrian now runs his own business called “Lighthouse – Partners for Life” where he works as a “personal coach”. 
      He said: “I help young players learn what it takes to become a pro — not just on the pitch but lifestyle things and the mental side of the game.”
      Paul Scharner returned to Wigan for a special 10th anniversary event including a charity football match
      Scharner returned to Wigan last year for a special 10th anniversary gala and charity football match as well as reacquainting himself with former team-mate and current Latics boss Shaun Maloney.
      And the Austrian believes the new owners  and investors led by local businessman Mike Danson have started a brighter chapter for the club.
      He said: “Hopefully, their finances have stabilised for the next decade to focus on promotion again at least to the Championship. Wigan is definitely a Championship team and one that sometimes can go for promotion to the Premier League. 
      Wigan heroes support Joseph’s Goal charityPAUL SCHARNER and the Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup heroes support a family-charity called Joseph’s Goal.
      Formed in 2012 , it helps fund research into the rare genetic disorder NKH. Joseph Kendrick was Wigan Athletic’s lucky mascot at the 2013 FA Cup final. He was given days to live after being born but is now 14 and an inspiration for everything. There’s an annual legends game at Wigan which Scharner, Roberto Martinez, Shaun Maloney, Antonio Valencia and Bryan Robson have played in.

      “Because of the foreign investors they had for the last couple of years, they’re now happy to have Wigan-based ones that belong to the heritage. 
      “And the club has created with their past players a group where we can always communicate, and we are always invited to the home games.
      “It’s vital for a club like Wigan to build some heritage and get some support for their long-term success.”
      I threw away my cup losers medal – then got a Christmas card from fan who caught it
      WIGAN legend Paul Scharner threw his League Cup runners-up medal away after losing to Manchester United in the 2006 final.
      United thumped the Latics 4-0 at the Millennium Stadium and so Scharner was so cross he threw his medal into the crowd.
      And he said: “I was so disappointed with the set-plays that I threw my medal away. 
      “The final was in February but what was funny is that I got a Christmas card later that year from a Wigan fan who caught the medal. 
      “I got a big thank you and it was written like it was the best day of his life!”
      Wigan could well be excused for losing by a similar scoreline on Monday night in the FA Cup against a United team two divisions above them.
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      But Scharner believes United can be beaten.
      He said: “I guess they will rest some players for the Premier League game and there’s an opportunity to win the game and surprise many people. Let’s hope so.” More

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      Man City 5 Huddersfield 0: Kevin De Bruyne returns after five months out as FA Cup holders thump Championship strugglers

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      HE’S back – and needed no time to return to doing what he does best.Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback to the Manchester City team after almost five months out due to hamstring surgery.
      Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist as he returned off the benchCredit: PA
      Jeremy Doku celebrates notching Man City’s fifth goalCredit: Getty
      He was only on the pitch for 35 minutes but was still able to have a hand in two goals in another rout for the FA Cup holders.
      No wonder Jurgen Klopp said the whole country was shaking about the brilliant Belgian coming back into the fold.
      You can stop shaking now, Jurgen – and start worrying because the early signs are he can have a huge say on the final few months of the season.
      The only question is where will Pep Guardiola play him – because Phil Foden has been relishing the central role he normally occupies.
      The Three Lions ace was superb again here – scoring twice as City awoke from a slow start and ran riot.
      It was always going to be a tall order for a team on the edges of the Championship relegation zone to come to the home of the newly-crowned world champions.
      But in addition, Huddersfield boss Darren Moore had to pick a team without 12 players – due to injury and international call ups.
      Guardiola opted to shake up his team despite having a rare midweek off in the build up.
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      Ederson, Kyle Walker and Rodri were among those to be stood down – and they were soon joined on the sidelines by Manuel Akanji.
      A thumping challenge from Alex Matos earned himayellow cardbut ended the afternoon of the Swiss defender in the 18th minute.
      His replacement Matheus Nunes perked up the home side who had struggled to get going in the opening exchanges.
      A shot from Oscar Bobb which deflected wide off team-mate Rico Lewis summed up their early efforts.
      But two goals in the space of four minutes just after the half hour put the tie beyond the visitors.
      First a shot from Julian Alvarez was blocked but the loose ball fell nicely into the path of  Foden who hammered it past Lee Nicholls from a tight angle.
       Town were still dusting themselves down when City struck again as Nunes played a neat one-two and burst into the box.
      His pull back reached Lewis whose connection was not what he wanted but Alvarez was able to divert it on target and over the line.
      “We want 10” chanted the home fans.
      For all that has happened since, the day back in 1987 when City hit double figures against the Terriers has not been forgotten.
      The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for KDB when he replaced Alvarez 10 minutes after the re-start.
      As ever things started to happen with the Belgian on the pitch – although surprisingly he was not involved as City added to their lead.
      A long ball forward from Mateo Kovacic was plucked out of the sky by Nunes and he played into the path of Bobb.
      The Norwegian youngster’s clever chip over Nicholls kissed the underside of the bar on its way in  
      Sorba Thomas fluffed the chance to give Town’s noisy away fans a consolation when he wriggled free of Ruben Dias but Ortega saved with his feet.  
      And De Bruyne was involved as City scored a fourth as he rolled a pass to Sergio Gomez who nudged it on to Kovacic.
      The Croatian found Foden on the edge of the box and he swept a low shot into the corner.
      The England starlet has relished his role in the middle in recent weeks – maybe because he’s had the old master KDB breathing down his neck.
      A goal for their beloved Belgian was what the crowd realy wanted but he whistled a 25 yard effort just over the angle.
      Yet an assist was the next best thing and he produced one of them as he swapped passes with Bobb before clipping a cross to the back post.
      Read more on The Sun
      His fellow Belgium international and sub Jeremy Doku – himself returning from injury – was there to sweep home on the half volley.
      How they have missed their main man – and what a tonic for City to get him back.   More

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      Former Premier League star with £7.6m in career earnings eyed for shock transfer by League One side Bolton

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        FREE agent and former Premier League ace Josh Onomah is on the radar of Bolton.The midfielder, 26, trained at Stoke after a spell at Preston last season and wants to get back into a club as soon as possible.
      Josh Onomah was most recently at PrestonCredit: Getty
      He came through the academy at SpursCredit: Reuters
      Wanderers want new faces without spending big and Onomah would fit the bill.
      Onomah rose through the ranks at Tottenham and was tipped by many for Premier League success.
      He represented England extensively at youth level and was handed opportunities by Tottenham – largely in cup competitions.
      The midfielder was part of the England under-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017.
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      That age group included the likes of Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Kyle Walker Peters.
      The midfielder made 32 appearances for Spurs during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure but was never given an extended run of starts in the team.
      He finally left the club in 2019 to join Fulham following spells on loan at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.
      Injuries hampered his time at Fulham, with Onomah often in and out of the team.
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      He made 76 appearances for the Cottagers before leaving to join Preston in 2022.
      Injuries again hampered his ability to settle in the side and he made 13 appearances before leaving the club as a free agent.
      Onomah has been without a club this season but training with Stoke City has kept him fit and ready for a move. More

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      Millwall fans face court for sick gesture mocking tragic Leicester City chairman’s helicopter crash ahead of FA Cup tie

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      TWO Millwall fans face court for mocking the tragic death of Leicester City’s former chairman ahead of the club’s FA Cup tie.Footage shared on social media appeared to show the supporters making sick gestures towards the away stand at The Den stadium this afternoon.
      Footage appeared to show two Millwall fans making sick gesturesCredit: X
      The incident happened at The Den stadium in LondonCredit: X
      Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Thai billionaire businessman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, was among five killed when the chopper spun out of control while taking off from the King Power Stadium.
      Staff at Millwall’s ground, located in Bermondsey, south-east London, were also reportedly seen speaking to them.
      A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Two men were detained and ejected from the ground.
      “They will each be summonsed for an offence under the Public Order Act.
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      “Enquiries are ongoing to locate a third man in connection with the incident.”
      Neither clubs have commented on the incident yet.
      The Championship leaders, who won the FA Cup in 2021, saw off the Lions 3-2 in the third round fixture following a 12.30pm kickoff.
      The helicopter pilot nearly saved Srivaddhanaprabha in 2018 with a miracle landing after the rotor failed.
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      Crash investigators described the seizure of the tail rotor’s duplex bearing as a “catastrophic and irrecoverable failure” which caused it to dramatically spiral out of control.
      The helicopter spun around five times within 14 seconds as it plummeted perilously over a busy public car park from 430ft, an official report revealed.
      Pilot Eric Swaffer, 53, narrowly avoided mass tragedy despite screaming “I’ve no idea what’s going on” while likely startled and disorientated in the dark.
      He managed to perfectly perform every emergency action and even cushioned the blow by expertly pulling the collective control.
      But the lower left-hand side of the Leonardo AW169 smashed into a half-metre-high concrete step which caused a significant fuel leak igniting within a minute.
      Leicester City saw off Millwall 3-2 in the third round FA Cup tieCredit: Getty More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot hilarious details in new Swansea manager’s ‘contract’ including Star Wars obligation

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      EAGLE-EYED fans have spotted hilarious details in Luke Williams’ new Swansea City contract.The manager took on the job at the Welsh outfit after Damien Duff was sacked after less than six months in charge.
      Luke Williams has been named the Swansea City managerCredit: Swansea City
      Fans spotted hilarious details in his fake contractCredit: Swansea City
      Williams, 43, had led Notts County back to the EFL with promotion from the National League last season.
      He was announced as the Swans manager with a Star Wars-themed video on social media.
      In further pictures shared by the clubs fans have spotted funny details in a mock contract that he signed.
      The “fake” contract lays out three rules that Williams must follow as Swansea manager.
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      The first rule is that he becomes the “legal guardian” of Cyril and Cybil Swan.
      The second is that he agrees to a “Luke Skywalker announcement video”.
      And the final rule is that Williams will “provide snacks for the media team” during away matches.
      Fans loved the details written into the gag as they reacted on social media.
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      One posted: “The legal guardian of Cyril and Cybill Swan is the funniest part.”
      A second wrote: “Genius. More of this from football clubs please.”
      A third commented: “This is honestly the best thing I’ve ever seen.”
      A fourth said: “This is bloody genius.”
      A fifth added: “Well played, media team. I 100% zoomed in.”
      Williams’ first game in charge of the Championship outfit is against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
      He faced the League Two outfit in his penultimate match before leaving County, winning 5-0. More

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      Fresh blow to under-fire Steven Gerrard as England legend’s assistant at Al-Ettifaq quits to take over Championship side

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      IAN FOSTER has quit his role as Steven Gerrard’s assistant to take charge of Plymouth Argyle.The 47-year-old left his position as England Under-20s boss to join up with Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq last summer.
      Ian Foster has taken over as Plymouth Argyle bossCredit: Rex
      Steven Gerrard has struggled as Al-Ettifaq managerCredit: Getty
      After nine games without a win in all competitions, Foster has jumped ship to Argyle.
      Confirming the appointment, Pilgrims chairman Simon Hallett said: “I am thrilled to welcome a coach of Ian’s calibre to Plymouth Argyle as our new Head Coach.
      “He was the perfect candidate to lead our great football club forward as we embark on our next five-year mission.
      “Ian showed a passion and knowledge for the club throughout the interview process, and showcased in some detail how he sees the best way to take forward our exciting and dynamic young squad.
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      “Having worked with some of the best players this country has produced, he has a passion for developing young footballers, as well as playing expansive, attacking football which fits perfectly with how we want the club to progress.
      “I am excited to see how he takes the team forward and very much welcome him to Plymouth Argyle.”
      Foster played for Hereford, Barrow, Kidderminster and Chester during his professional career.
      He finished his playing days with Irish side Galway United before later taking charge as manager.
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      The former striker then managed Dundalk, before landing first team coaching roles at Coventry and Portsmouth.
      Foster went on to assist Steve Cooper with England Under-17s during their victorious World Cup campaign in 2017.
      He subsequently managed the Three Lions’ Under 18s, 19s and 20s before joining Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
      The managerial duo oversaw five wins in their first seven games, before hitting a severe slump.
      Al-Ettifaq have plummeted to eighth in the table following a nine-game winless run.
      The streak has seen Gerrard come under pressure, with fans left baffled when he cited a lack of penalties for his side’s malaise.
      Gerrard will now have to do without trusted assistant Foster.
      Argyle sit 18th in the Championship, having returned to the second-tier after 13 years away following their League One title-winning campaign last year.
      Steven Schumacher left the Pilgrims last month in order to take charge of Stoke City.
      Director of football Neil Dewsnip, who also worked with England’s age group sides, subsequently took over as caretaker boss while launching the club’s search for a new boss.
      After selecting Foster, Dewsnip said: “I have spoken openly in the past few weeks about how we would wait for the right person for the job and in Ian we believe we have found exactly that.
      “He has incredible pedigree as a coach and working with young players and we feel he is the perfect person to take forward this incredible group of players we have.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Now is the time to look to the future and I am excited to see Ian get to work on the training pitch immediately and to help us achieve our aims, both this season and beyond.”
      Argyle take on Sutton United at Home Park this afternoon, before Foster and Co travel to Huddersfield next weekend for his first Championship game at the helm.
      Ian Foster previously managed England at youth levelCredit: Getty
      Foster arrives at Home Park ahead of Plymouth Argyle’s clash with Sutton UnitedCredit: Rex More

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      Karren Brady: It’s a case of Deja Roo as Wayne Rooney follows England pals Gerrard and Lampard onto managerial scrapheap

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      WITHOUT question the most important item on a football club agenda is the choice of manager, more fashionably a head coach.The team will stand or fall by this decision. Wayne Rooney at Birmingham was the latest to confirm that getting the chop could also be as brutally swift as the slide of the guillotine.
      Wayne Rooney was given the boot by Birmingham after a horror run of formCredit: Reuters
      He must have been aware that it might. After all, it had happened to two of his former England team-mates, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who found that being great footballers was no defence against managerial botch-ups.
      Rooney was the last of the turn-of-century Three Musketeers to slip off the manager’s saddle, after only two wins in 15 Championship games.
      Vastly popular at Everton and Manchester United, the rest of the country wasn’t far behind in delight at his ability to score stacks of goals combined with thrilling ball skills.
      Birmingham fans were just as admiring, at least until the new American owners accompanied his appointment by ruthlessly sacking the relatively successful John Eustace, a local boy, after he led them to sixth in the Championship.
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      There can be fewer jobs as stressful, unpredictable and unrelenting than being a football boss where only two things are guaranteed — the sack or a move to a bigger club.
      The man in charge must be trusted by players, staff and chairman. He has to be deeply knowledgeable in all things football. And most of all he must be a leader.
      The fact that he was a great footballer hardly matters.
      So where did our golden boys go wrong? My guess is that, above all, the players didn’t get it. Simply weren’t on the same wavelength.
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      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is feeling the heat – managing out in SaudiCredit: Getty
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      I remember an England player telling me that in training their star man was challenged by the coach to hit the bar from 15 yards out.
      He tried twice and failed.
      The coach placed the ball in the same spot and struck the bar first time. “Easy as that,” he said, striding away.
      The victim was undermined. And the coach didn’t last too long.
      Is it fair to say that Rooney seemed the most unlikely of the three to make an outstanding manager? But you never know.
      Did mouthy Brian Clough strike many people as a possible double European Cup winner?
      I am told by football oracles that Rooney did a sound job at Derby and his trouble at St Andrew’s was introducing a fresh style too quickly.
      Birmingham City have enormous potential. The way forward is by meticulous planning and an ambitious boss of humbler origin is crucial, unless Pep Guardiola is up for a new challenge.
      Read more on The Sun
      Had they studied a list of previous appointments, they would have been aware of a similar farce at the club when Gary Rowett was axed for Gianfranco Zola in 2016.
      The Italian star lasted slightly longer than Rooney. Not so much ‘deja vu’ as ‘deja Blues’.
      Frank Lampard has not found managing as easy as he seemed to make playingCredit: Getty More

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      I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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      JONNY WILLIAMS has gone to three major tournaments, deputised for Gareth Bale and played with and against some of the world’s greats.The midfield playmaker also can boast he has competed in all four of this country’s top divisions.
      Jonny Williams and Gareth Bale in training for Wales
      Williams is now plying his trade for League Two club Gillingham
      And today he hopes to add another chapter to his football story by helping League Two club Gillingham topple Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Priestfield.
      Williams, 30, hung up his boots for Wales only last March.
      And when he returned home last summer to Kent, the county of his birth and upbringing, it dawned on him what an incredible adventure he has been on.
      From playing in the top-flight after winning promotion at Wembley with Crystal Palace to helping his country reach the Euro 2016 semi-final, he had a whirlwind start to his career.
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      Then he helped Charlton climb into the Championship in 2018, played at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament before being selected to go to last winter’s World Cup in Qatar despite being a League Two player at Swindon!
      He told SunSport: “I pinch myself at times. I’m moving into a new home back in Tunbridge Wells, sorting through boxes and seeing memorabilia of things I did.
      “Going to the Euros and a World Cup were things I could’ve only dreamed of.
      “My only goal as a kid was to play one senior game for Crystal Palace so to go to those tournaments and score twice for my country, as well as win two Wembley play-off finals, were incredible life experiences.” 
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      Williams made his international debut by coming on as a half-time sub for the injured Bale against Scotland in 2013 before deputising for the Wales legend four days later.
      And the Gills midfielder played during what was a golden age in Welsh football.
      He said: “Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people too. 
      “They set the tone for the rest of the group and what followed. There were no egos because that wasn’t the way we were going as a nation.
      Williams in action against England at Euro 2016 in France
      Our man Justin Allen caught up with Jonny Williams at Gillingham
      “The two let their feet do the talking because they’re natural-gifted footballers blessed with unbelievable talent with and without the ball.
      “And the desire to improve and work hard in training set the tempo for the rest of us. 
      “When I was very young, Craig Bellamy was the same — he led by example. 
      “It makes you understand and learn quickly what needs to be done if you want to play for Wales. I was fortunate enough to have those boys to look up to.
      Aaron Ramsey and Bale were not just world-class as players — but as people tooJonny Williams
      “They always spoke to everyone, players and staff, with respect. I know it should be a given in life but sometimes in football it’s not and I’ve had team mates who struggle with that.
      “I learned massively from Gareth and Aaron — from when I was playing in the Premier League to when I was in League Two, they still treated me the same as they did Wayne Hennessey.
      “And the squad had some great professionals in it. The other ones that stood out for me were Joe Allen, who got into the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, and Ben Davies.
      “It’s Ben’s 12th season playing for Wales and to stay at that level for that length of time you’ve got to be a top footballer.
      Williams played during a golden era for Welsh football
      The midfielder prepares to warm up at the Qatar World Cup last winter
      “I’m sure once Aaron comes to the end of his time, Ben will be the natural leader to step in because he’s great in the dressing room as well.”
      Bale announced his retirement from all football following the World Cup in Qatar and a glittering career that took in Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid.
      And Williams said: “I’m sure he’d have loved to have won the Premier League — but with five Champions League titles and all his Wales achievements I don’t think he’ll have any complaints.
      “I still keep in touch with those two. Aaron’s close to returning from injury with Cardiff. I’ve not spoken to Gareth for a couple of months but he’s probably busy playing golf with that spare time he’s now got!”
      Today’s opponents Sheffield United evoke some fond but also emotional memories for Williams.
      Former Blades player and manager Gary Speed was the man who first promoted him into the Wales squad — and nurtured the then rookie before tragically taking his own life in 2011.
      Williams said: “Gary was a phenomenal bloke in the short time I spent with him. 
      “He was a Premier League legend and I’d seen many of his games as a kid — and in the Wales team as well as I was making my way through the youth ages, watching him playing in the senior set up.
      Gary Speed gave Williams his first Wales senior squad call-up before losing his life in tragic circumstances
      “To this day, we don’t know why he took his life. We’ll be asking for years why? 
      “I remember walking out of church that Sunday morning learning he had passed away. It was tragic news. 
      “I’ll be forever grateful for him giving me that senior call up and showing that belief in me as a 17-year-old to work alongside the likes of him, Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and all the Wales superstars coming through at the time.
      “He took me out for a coffee or hot chocolate in St David’s in Cardiff — and told me straight away, ‘You’re good enough to be here, don’t just think this is a token call-up. You’re playing at a good level, you’ve been playing well and I want you in the senior team. Just enjoy the experience and playing with these players — and this is the start of your future.’
      “Not many managers would’ve done that. I was only a teen but he sat me down and took 15 to 20 minutes to get to know me as a person. I didn’t get much time with him in the end but those small moments I’ll remember forever.”
      Today he potentially faces his former Wales team-mate Rhys Norrington-Davies, who came on as a late sub at Man City for his first outing for FOURTEEN months after being sidelined with a career-threatening hamstring injury.
      And Williams said: “Rhys is so talented and deserves to be in the Premier League. I hope he can kick on.
      “I was gutted for him missing the World Cup because he’s so good around the dressing room too. 

      Williams with the Wales team after being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup
      “Football can be a cruel sport but I’m sure he would have had his friends and family around him to get him through that period and now he’s back fit and he’s got the opportunity to play in the top division.”
      And Williams himself still has plenty of ambitions going forward in his club career.
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      First he hopes to cause an upset today and then his next goal is clear: “To win promotion.
      “I’ve gone to the Premier League and Championship — and now I want to complete the hat-trick set and get Gillingham back into League One where they belong.” More