Williams expects Royals to be promotion contenders

Anthony Smith • Published 17 Jul 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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MARCUS Williams has admitted his main reason for joining Reading was to fulfil his Premier League ambitions.

Royals snapped up the 24-year-old left-back on a free transfer from Scunthorpe United when his contract expired last season.

He rejected the offer of a new deal with Scunny and turned down Sheffield United's advances before agreeing a three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.

And he boldly stated: "The main thing is to get into the team and go from there.

"I'm confident the team can keep on progressing and hopefully get promoted to the Premier League.

"Everybody knows what they've got to do. I genuinely believe we've got the ability in the squad to do it so finger's crossed.

"I've played against a few of the Reading boys in the past and I watched them over the last half of the season when they did very, very well."

Williams is an attacking full-back who likes to push forward and attack opposition defences. With former Player of the Season winner Chris Armstrong battling against a career-threatening knee injury, Williams is almost certainly a shoo-in for the first game of the Championship season, ironically against Scunthorpe on August 7.

And Williams believes his own ideas dovetail nicely with the brand of football Royals are keen to adopt.

"I think the style of football Reading play will really suit me," he argued. "I think it gives us a chance to open up on the wings. Hopefully fans will see good football this year.

"I like getting forward and creating because it gives the team more options."

Last season had barely finished when Reading confirmed the arrival of Williams, a regular in Scunny's team for the previous four years.

But it was no rash signing as boss Brian McDermott watched him closely during his former role as chief scout.

"I think he was watching me for a number of years," suggested Williams. "It's good to know he hasn't just seen me play in a couple of games so he knows all about me.

"When I spoke to him he was just great which is a massive plus really. None of the boys has a bad word to say against Brian, even the young lads.

"I know I can talk to him any time which is a massive plus on and off the pitch. He was a big influence on me signing to be honest."

And he added: "I'm settled here now. I've got a nice little place in the town centre and everybody has been great.

"It's just a nice feeling overall and I can't wait to get started."

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