Robins lose football icon to Aberystwyth
Thursday 03 June 2010
Craig WilliamsNEWTOWN defender Craig Williams has rejected terms for next season and has decided to join Aberystwyth Town.
Right-back Williams, who follows midfielder Ross Stephens through the exit door at Latham Park, first appeared in a Robins' shirt back in 2004/5 at the age of just 16 and has already racked-up 144 (+9) Welsh Premier appearances, scoring seven goals.
A locally-based product of the Newtown academy system, Williams shot to prominence when he reached the last six in Sky TV's Football Icon show and became the youngest-ever to be voted the league's player of the month in November 2005.
He was also voted into the league managers' team of the season the following summer and again in season 2008/9.
Secretary Owen Durbridge says the club is disappointed he has chosen to leave, especially considering he is a “born and bred” Newtown footballer.
"We naturally wish him well, but appreciate the loyalty of all the players that have chosen to stay.
"The undoubted uncertainty caused by the licensing decisions has provoked unrest in the squad with Darren [Ryan] having less time than a lot of rival clubs to secure players for the new season."
Williams told manager Ryan that "he needed a new challenge", according to Newtown's website.
Photo: Williams hooks the ball to safety from Chris Sharp of TNS.