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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

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      Six lower-league FA Cup stars to watch including England hero’s brother, goal ace and forgotten Premier League cult hero

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      THE FA CUP third-round is always one of the biggest weekends in the football calendar as Premier League, EFL and non-league sides mix it up.SunSport’s JUSTIN ALLEN takes a look at six players below the top-flight to look out for this weekend in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition.
      Jobe Bellingham (left) will relish facing Premier League Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Paul Appiah (right) stars for Maidstone, the lowest-ranked team left in the CupCredit: Gary Stone
      Eastleigh’s 6ft 4in defender Ludwig Francillette is ready to face NewportCredit: Rex
      JOBE BELLINGHAM (Sunderland)
      REAL MADRID and England star Jude Bellingham’s younger brother is enjoying his breakthrough season with the Black Cats.
      And what a game for the 18-year-old midfielder to show his talents this weekend as the Black Cats face their bitter rivals Newcastle in Saturday’s big North East derby at the Stadium of Light.
      PAUL APPIAH (Maidstone United)
      ROOKIE defender will be turning out for the National League South club against Stevenage on Saturday on loan from Leicester.
      The 21-year-old is highly rated and already appeared four times in the EFL Trophy for the Foxes Under-21s side but been sent to the Kent team to get more week-to-week action against senior players. Was superb for the Stones in their second-round win over Barrow.

      LUDWIG FRANCILLETTE (Eastleigh)
      The 6ft 4in ace, 24, is from Guadeloupe and came through the youth system at Newcastle and has two seasons under his belt at League Two club Crawley. Will be hoping to snub out Newport and 17-goal Will Evans this weekend.

      JONNY WILLIAMS (Gillingham)
      VASTLY-experienced midfield playmaker who until last year was a Wales international.
      The 30-year-old former Crystal Palace, Charlton, Cardiff and Swindon ace has featured at two Euros (2016 and 2020) plus was selected for the World Cup squad in Qatar last winter despite being a League Two player!
      DION CHARLES (Bolton)
      STRIKER is on fire as the Trotters aim to win promotion this season from League One.
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      The 28-year-old has an impressive 17 goals already and will be hoping to add to that this weekend and take the scalp of Premier League strugglers Luton.
      JOSH COBURN (Middlesbrough)
      THE lively striker has just turned 21 and highly rated at the Riverside.
      Coburn, back from a season on loan at Bristol Rovers, has scored twice in his last two games and should get a chance against Premier League Aston Villa — although both teams do have bigger fish to fry in their respective divisions.
      Jonny Williams will use all his experience for Gillingham against Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex
      Dion Charles will be Bolton’s main goal threat at Premier League LutonCredit: Rex
      Josh Coburn has scored two in his last two for MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League cult hero Matty Etherington sacked by League Two strugglers in brutal 50-word statement

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      COLCHESTER have sacked manager Matty Etherington following their 1-0 defeat to Gillingham this afternoon.The result leaves the U’s languishing 22nd in League Two.
      Matty Etherington has been sacked by ColchesterCredit: Getty
      Etherington, 42, was appointed in October to succeed Ben Garner, having previously been coaching Colchester’s Under-21 side.
      He oversaw 16 games as boss, initially on an interim basis and then full-time, winning five, drawing one and losing 10.
      A brief statement confirming their boss’ exit read: “Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Head Coach.
      “The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team.
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      “No further comment will be made at this time.”
      Colchester were consigned to today’s home defeat to Gillingham by Scott Malone’s 54th minute effort.
      It was their third loss in a row, having fallen 5-3 at AFC Wimbledon and 1-0 at MK Dons.
      After today’s defeat, but prior to being sacked, Etherington said: “I’m fully aware of the situation we’re in and the run of results that we’re on.
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      “I won’t shirk away from anyone and I’ll keep doing the job to the best of my ability.
      “The results haven’t been good enough and I get that.
      “I believe in working a certain way and I believe in my principles as a person and I’ll keep being me.”
      Etherington previously managed Peterborough for one game as caretaker boss in February 2022.
      He then landed the Crawley job in November of that year, only to be bizarrely sacked after just THREE games.
      Etherington played in the Premier League for Tottenham, West Ham and Stoke before hanging up his boots in 2014.
      Etherington, now 42, played for Tottenham in the Premier LeagueCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Wrexham clash with Barrow STOPPED and midfielder David Worrall carried off on stretcher after horror head injury

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      WREXHAM’S clash with Barrow was delayed for ten minutes as medical staff dealt with a head injury suffered by David Worrall.The Barrow ace, 33, was involved in a clash of heads in the 11th minute after winning the ball in the air.
      David Worrall had to be stretchered off during the first halfCredit: Rex
      Barrow boss Pete Wild lost a player to a nasty-looking head knockCredit: Rex
      Doctors quickly raced on to treat the stricken star.
      After ten minutes of on-field treatment Worrall was stretchered off and replaced by Luca Stephenson.
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds quickly took to social media, writing: “Hoping David Worrall is okay.”
      The Canadian, 47, followed up with two prayer emojis.
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      Barrow went into today’s match in fourth, trailing Wrexham by just one point.
      They got off to a great start at the Racecourse Ground, with Kian Spence prodding them in front just 33 seconds into the contest.
      Pete Wild’s side then suffered the devastating blow of losing Worrall to his nasty-looking head knock.
      The match eventually resumed in the 21st minute.
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      At the end of the initial 45 the referee added on a further 14, taking into account the delay for Worrall’s treatment.
      Experienced forward Steven Fletcher equalised for the home side nine minutes into time added on.
      And in a cruel twist for Barrow, Paul Mullin then gave Wrexham the lead from a free-kick in the 11th minute of first-half added time.
      Fletcher somehow found time to grab a third in the 14th minute added on to complete a remarkable goal glut.
      Worrall is among Barrow’s most versatile players, having played at right-back, left and right midfield and even up top this season.
      He has played 21 times so far this term, and had laid on three assists in his last two appearances prior to today.
      Kian Spence had given Barrow the lead after just 33 secondsCredit: Alamy More

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      Troy Deeney: Tonight is my first game as a manager in the Football League… and I’m playing myself up front

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      FRIDAY night will be my first match as a manager in the Football League.Ask me what kind of boss I’ll be and the only answer I can honestly give at this early stage is “a bald one with bags under his eyes”.
      Troy Deeney has ‘mixed emotions’ after stepping up from player-coach to replace sacked friend Dave Horseman, left, as Forest Green managerCredit: Rex
      Deeney reckons he’ll be fine if he takes the best bits of the managers he played under – because there were so many of themCredit: Getty
      From my first few hours in charge of Forest Green Rovers, I know this is going to be a new level of busy.
      I’ve just had the physio, the analyst and the set-piece coach on the phone to me in the last hour.
      And I am still a player, too. Because we have two strikers out injured, I will be naming myself on the bench for Friday’s home game against Gillingham.
      Oh and, by the way, the fact that we’ve got a specialist set-piece coach in League Two shows our owner Dale Vince has a very decent level of investment and ambition.
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      We may be 91st out of 92 league clubs in English football at present but we have two games in hand to get us out of the relegation places and I am determined to make an immediate impact.
      When a player goes into management, he will often say he wants to take the best bits from all the bosses he played under.
      Well, the plus point for me is that I spent more than a decade at Watford so I have a lot of managers to choose from!
      I would like to have the organisational ability of Sean Dyche, the attacking mentality of Gianfranco Zola, the tactical nous of Marco Silva, the likeability of Quique Sanchez Flores and Javi Gracia’s ability to ‘manage up’ and deal with owners and directors.
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      Those are all men I worked under at Vicarage Road and if I can take all of their best attributes, I’ll be a success in this role.
      I’ve been doing my coaching badges and have a Uefa A licence.
      While those courses were beneficial in some ways, they are also idealistic.
      What you learn would be great if you had Manchester City’s players and Paris Saint-Germain’s budget.
      In League Two, you’re more likely to find a player turning up for training having slept on his mate’s sofa because he’s been up playing Fifa computer games until 2am.
      After a run of bad results, I want to remind my players that being a professional footballer is the best job in the world. I want them to rediscover that joy.
      They don’t throw that sort of thing at you when you’ve got your  L plates on.
      I’ve had mixed emotions since getting the job because, for the past few months, I’ve been a player-coach under the management of my friend Dave Horseman.
      Dave is an excellent coach, a wonderful bloke and a good mate.
      He’d had a long career coaching at youth level — at Watford among other clubs — before getting his first job in senior management at Forest Green this summer.
      Zola’s attacking instincts as Watford boss impressed DeeneyCredit: Alan Walter
      Marco Silva is rated by Deeney as a great tactical brainCredit: Reuters
      But football is ruthless and this situation is business. Dave was sacked on Wednesday and, one day, either at Forest Green or elsewhere, I’ll be the one getting sacked.
      Forest Green is a lovely, friendly family club in rural Gloucestershire.
      The one thing everyone knows about us is that it’s a vegan club — and while it might have been funny the first time an opposition fan asked me if I wanted a steak bake or thrust a sausage roll at me, it soon wears off.
      I’m not vegan but for Dale it is all about educating people about vegan lifestyles and wider environmental issues. I have huge respect for that.
      But when Gillingham visit, our ground won’t be a bear pit.
      It won’t be like turning up at Millwall or West Ham’s old Upton Park.
      We need to find a bit more nastiness. Without wanting to turn us into 80s Wimbledon, I want us to become horrible to play against.
      I’m going to keep playing until January, when Dale hopes to invest more in the squad and then I hope to gradually fade into the background as a player, rather than retiring altogether.
      In League Two, you’re more likely to find a player turning up for training having slept on his mate’s sofa because he’s been up playing Fifa computer games until 2am.Troy Deeney
      Everyone has told me it will  be extremely tough to be a player-manager but, for the time being, it’s ‘needs must’.
      Some people have asked why I wanted to take over a club next to bottom in League Two for my first job in management — but I have never been one to turn down a challenge.
      I remember Paul Ince and Sol Campbell taking over at Macclesfield in similar circumstances and leading them to safety.
      It’s also true that there aren’t enough black and ethnic minority managers in English football.
      We’re still under-represented and we are less likely to get opportunities — even though I’m not sure how many black guys are applying for jobs at League Two level.
      But I’ll be giving my first team talk as a manager before kick-off on Friday evening and I hope I won’t be giving too many of them too often.
      I want our dressing room to become more self-sustaining, where players will give their own speeches before matches.
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      But after a run of bad results, I just want to remind my players that being a professional footballer is the best job in the world. I want them to rediscover that joy.
      And I want to be in that dugout with a big toothy grin just like ­Jurgen Klopp’s.
      After managing Deeney at Vicarage Road, Sean Dyche has gone on to boss Burnley for 10 years and Everton since January 2023Credit: Rex More

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      Football League fixtures battered by brutal weather with five games POSTPONED hours before kick-off including Wrexham

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      WREXHAM’S League Two clash with Forest Green has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.An official statement from the Welsh side read: “Following a pitch inspection this morning, we can confirm that today’s fixture against Forest Green Rovers has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
      Wrexham’s clash with Forest Green has been postponedCredit: PA
      “After a heavy downpour of rain overnight, the pitch was deemed unplayable and failed a pitch inspection at 11:30am.
      “Details for the rearranged fixture and ticket information will be communicated in due course.
      “We can confirm however that all supporters who travelled on Official Supporter Travel will be offered free transport to the rearranged fixture.”
      Fans were left devastated following the announcement, with one person tweeting: “Imagine if the EFL actually cared about the fans and ensured inspections were done in a timely manner! Pathetic.”
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      Another added: “Stuck on the M54 for no reason then, absolutely brilliant.”
      A third person wrote: “Should have called it off earlier, no thought for us travelling fans.”
      While a fourth commented: “Forest Green v Wrexham is postponed. A lot of disappointed Americans on this train.”
      The match is one of five League Two fixtures to have been postponed this morning.
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      Barrow’s clash with Gillingham has also been called off due to the weather, as well as Bradford’s match against Salford.
      Mansfield vs MK Dons is among the postponed games, as is Sutton’s clash with Harrogate. More

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      EFL clash postponed after pitch inspection as officials choose ‘to avoid supporters making unnecessary journeys’

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      THE League Two clash between Barrow and Gillingham has been called off after the pitch was deemed to be unfit to play on.Barrow were due to take on Gillingham on Saturday at 3pm.
      Barrow’s League Two match against Gillingham has been postponedCredit: Getty
      However, following a pitch inspection the game has now been postponed.
      The club said the decision had also been made with fans in mind.
      A statement from Barrow said: “Having conducted a pitch inspection at the SO Legal Stadium earlier this afternoon, the pitch has been deemed unplayable in its current state.
      “To avoid supporters making unnecessary journeys, the decision was made to postpone tomorrow’s game.
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      “A rearranged date for the fixture, and ticket information for that match will be released in due course.”
      The trip from Gillingham to Barrow-in-Furness, where the Bluebirds are located, covers a distance of roughly 325 miles.
      The estimated driving time for the trip is a whopping five and a half hours.
      Barrow and Gillingham are competing for a play-off spots in England’s fourth tier.
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      The home side currently sit in third place, five points off league leaders Stockport.
      Meanwhile, the Gills sit in 7th, six points behind Barrow.
      FA Cup and lower league games were postponed last week due to the freezing cold weather. More

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      Wrexham goal hero Paul Mullin reveals brutal fines list including hefty penalty for swapping shirts

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      WREXHAM striker Paul Mullin has revealed the ruthless fines system in operation at the club.The 29-year-old scored a sensational 47 goals in 53 games last season to lead the Welsh side back to the Football League after 15 years away.
      Paul Mullin has explained Wrexham’s fines policyCredit: PA
      Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in November 2020Credit: Getty
      It comes after Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club in November 2020.
      And they are now flying high in the fourth tier, sitting second behind Stockport after 20 games.
      But their recent success has come with the implementation of a brutal list of financial punishments for misconduct.
      And some of the infringements Mullin has confirmed are quite shocking.

      They include £50 for giving away their match shirt, £20 for not eating breakfast before 10.10am, and £200 for being late to a team night out.
      Speaking in his new book “My Wrexham Story: The Inspirational Autobiography From The Beloved Football Hero”, he said: “Helping to enforce discipline, we have an embedded system of club fines.
      “The list is up on the changing-room door: Late for training, the gym, or a meeting – £20. Late on matchdays – £100. Late for the bus – £100. Late for a team night out – £100. Not showing up for a team night out – £200.
      “Not eaten breakfast by 10.10 a.m. – £20. Phone going off – £10. Not wearing flip-flops in the shower – £5. Wearing flip-flops to go to a game – £10.
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      “Cleaning boots in the shower – £10. Giving away a match shirt – £50.”
      Mullin also revealed there are fines for not abiding by health and fitness regulations.
      These include not wearing your GPS for training, putting your trainers on the fitness bed, and not reporting an injury prior to a day off.
      Smaller fines can also incur the wrath of the roulette wheel or the dice.
      The guilty part spins the wheel or rolls the dice and receives anything from not having to pay the fine to being forced to “start a boy band”.
      And Mullin admits he has been on the wrong end of many of the more severe punishments.
      He added: “Unlucky, and you can end up down Tesco buying everyone a shower gel.
      “Then there’s the dice. Each number represents a forfeit, which can be quite excruciating. You might have to do a silent disco in front of the lads or a lap of the pitch in your underpants – not too bad in May, but pretty unpleasant in the sideways sleet of January.
      “If you’re really unlucky you’ll have to create a boy band for a day with the team-mates either side of you in the squad numbers.
      In my case, that’s Ollie Palmer and Liam McAlinden – and not many people want to hear that!
      “Alternatively, you’ll have to buy those same players dinner. A bit simpler, but no less painful, is the requirement that you sling £50 in the players’ kitty. Sadly, I’ve done most of these, the price of repeatedly forgetting to wear my flip-flops in the shower.
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      “Before the Christmas do, we all have to spin the roulette wheel regardless of whether we’ve violated a fines rule.
      “Last year I got stung for £50 without even having done anything – ‘What? No way! What’s going on here!’” More