David Williams knows Perth Glory have a “big point to prove” this season but the club’s new signing is confident success is on the horizon.
After three years away from the Isuzu UTE A-League, experienced forward and two-time Socceroo Williams has returned to Australia via the Glory on a one-year deal.
The former Brisbane Roar, North Queensland Fury, Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix star joins a Perth team desperate for redemption after finishing bottom of the table last season.
But with Ruben Zadkovich at the helm and rebuilding the squad, two-time A-Leagues All Star Williams is excited about the direction Perth are heading in.
“I feel privileged to be asked to join a club of rich history and with a big point to prove in the coming season,” the 34-year-old Williams said. “I feel lucky and happy in this moment.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the A-League, but I cannot wait to get back out there playing in front of my family and friends.”
Williams has spent three years in the Indian Super League, playing for ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan.
He won the Indian Super League with ATK in 2019-20, while Williams netted 17 league goals across those two clubs.
Williams, who last played in the A-League Men via Wellington in 2019, added: “[Head Coach] Ruben and I have been friends for quite some time; we played for junior national teams together and he knows me well.
“He gives me great confidence to come to Perth Glory and showcase what I can on the field and there’s also an opportunity for me to make a difference off the field which was a big attraction in joining the club.
“I bring experience to this squad and I will be a positive influence on the young players and will push them to be the best they can be, while also doing my own job.
“I know it was a difficult season last year, but we have seen in the past across the whole league that things can change in an instant.
“With the way I play, I want to be able to entertain the Perth Glory members and fans and anyone else who attends our games and make them want to come back and create the best atmosphere in the league.
“With the squad Ruben, [Head of Recruitment] Andy [Keogh] and the club have brought together this year and with a change in mentality and attitude, this football club can get back to winning ways and definitely have success.”
Zadkovich said: “Willow is a quality addition to our squad.
“He is someone I’ve known for a long time; we played for national teams together from Young Socceroos all the way through to the senior side.
“He not only brings a wealth of experience at this level in the A-League, but also provides a lot of quality in the top half of the pitch to add a different dimension again to our attacking structures.
“He will also be a great sounding board and mentor to some of our younger prospects, which make him a great asset to the club both on and off the pitch.”
