Rhys Williams: I’ve returned home to enjoy football again

Rhys Williams: I’ve returned home to enjoy football again

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After 12 years abroad, Rhys Williams is back in Australia, and the midfielder says he is ready to start enjoying his football again.

In his 11-year stay with Middlesbrough, Williams struggled to find continuity, seemingly cursed by a string of long-term injuries in North Yorkshire.

Those injuries restricted the 28-year-old to just 145 matches in that period, including loan spells at Burnley and Charlton Athletic, and just 14 for the Socceroos.

Williams has since become just one of a number of Western Australian products to return home and link up with Perth Glory, and he is relishing the chance to enjoy himself on familiar shores.

“I’ve come back to enjoy it again and to mount a serious title challenge,” Williams said.

“It’s a great bunch of boys, they’re all the local boys, all the boys we grew up with, so it feels a bit strange actually, being at home with everyone.

“It’s good, it’s positive, we’ve got a lot of competition for places.


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“Since I’ve been here, I haven’t missed a game or a training session. I feel great, the longer preseason here has benefitted me. Hopefully that will show on the pitch.

“I feel great and I feel ready to go.

“It (Perth) is home. I haven’t been home for 12 years.

“It’s great to finally relax and settle and be around my family and now enjoy football again.”

Rostyn Griffiths and Adam Taggart are among other locals to return to Glory.

Having defeated Brisbane Roar in the FFA Cup round of 32, Williams and Perth will now face Sydney FC for a last eight berth at Dorrien Gardens on Tuesday.

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