A Profile of Andy Williams

Below is a look at the football career of Andy Williams who has today returned to Hereford United from Bristol Rovers on loan until January 5th.

22 year old Andrew Williams, picture from 2006, was born on 14 August 1986 in Hereford and is a son of Colin Williams who is co-manager of the Hereford United youth team.

Andy attended the Pershore College football academy at Holme Lacy and played for the Hereford United youth team. He also gained experience by attending football academies at Aston Villa and Birmingham.

He made his debut for the first team in the 2003-04 season, coming on as a substitute in the Herefordshire Senior Cup final against Forest Green. The following season he featured regularly on the bench and made 3 league appearances as a substitute. He also started the two GLS Conference Cup games against Burton and Northwich.

2005-06 was his breakthrough season. His appearances for the first team were initially from the bench but he was given his first start in the league against Woking, scoring the opening goal. He progressed rapidly and went on to become the club's top scorer for the season, scoring 13 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions. Most notably he scored two vital goals in the playoff semi-final against Morecambe, and in the final itself against Halifax. He signed a new contract with the club in March 2006.

His first season in the Football League saw him played out of position on the right wing for the majority of the season resulting in 48 first team appearance, with only Rob Purdie and Alan Connell making more appearances. Andy's 8 goals also made him third highest goalscorer, and he was awarded the Away Goal of the Season for his spectacular effort against Bury.

He was the subject of two transfer bids from Bristol Rovers during the course of the season. At the end of August a £100,000 bid was rejected by Hereford, but at the end of January a £150,000 bid was accepted. However Andy turned down a move to the Gasheads, having already stated he was happy at Hereford and was not interested in moving to a club in the same division. When Bristol Rovers gained promotion to League One, speculation intensified that he would make the move, and on 5 July 2007 the transfer was finally confirmed.

Williams made his debut for Bristol Rovers in August, scoring four minutes after appearing as a substitute for Rickie Lambert.

On 1 September 2008 he rejoined former club Hereford United on loan until 5 January 2009.

(Profile from Wikipedia and other sources)

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