I played with Gareth Bale and in Premier League and all EFL divisions but now want to lead Gillingham to FA Cup shock

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.

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.

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.

“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 too

Jonny 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.

“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.

“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. 

“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.

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.”