Williams to be re-united with Johnson

As reported earlier former Hereford United midfielder Gavin Williams is to join Bristol City and will link up with manager Gary Johnson for the second time in the Welshman's career.

The fee is understood to be about £250,000 and Williams is reported to have agreed personal terms.

As a youngster Williams took time to settle in at Edgar Street. He trained with Cardiff City before being offered a place at Hereford by former coach Dick Bate, but after breaking into the first team when just 17 years old, he was inspirational.

His first appearance for the Bulls in October 1997 was in an FA Cup replay against Sittingbourne which the Bulls won 3-0.

Williams played all over the midfield and also up-front during his spell at Edgar Street, and was linked with clubs in higher divisions, most notably Luton Town and Cardiff City, but despite this, he stayed with the Bulls. His goals per game ratio got steadily better during his time at Edgar Street, and he was top scorer in 2001/02 with Rob Elmes with nine goals. However, contract negotiations hit a stumbling block in May 2002 and Williams, eager to progress his career, felt he had done enough at Hereford. Step in Yeovil Town and Gary Johnson - who signed Williams.

The move sickened many Bulls fans who didn't want their star performer moving to one of their fiercest rivals, but others noted his contribution to Hereford such as his spectacular goals, such as those against Rushden & Diamonds in 1999 and Swindon Town in 2001.

Hereford received a £22,500 fee for their leading goalscorer plus a 25% next sale clause, which earned the Bulls a further £62,500 in December 2004 when Johnson sold Williams to West Ham for £250,000. The Hammers sold him to Ipswich, after a short loan spell, in January 2006 for £300,000.

Williams hasn't always been a model footballer whilst at Ipswich.

"Ipswich have ordered prankster Gavin Williams to pay £3,000 in costs after he trashed a team-mate's car. He also signed himself as Pele on first-team shirts to be given to charity," reported the BBC last July.

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