A-League club Perth Glory have made a major addition to their squad for next season, announcing on Wednesday that they have signed Socceroos defender Rhys Williams.
Williams greatest asset to any team is his versatility, being able to play right across the backline, or as a defensive and central midfielder.
He comes to Perth from English club Middlesbrough where he has been since 2005, making 126 appearances. While he has been incredibly loyal to the English club, playing all his senior football contracted there, he was loaned in 2009 to Burnley where he played 16 matches, and Charlton Athletic earlier this year where he took to the field three times.
Williams has also recorded 14 caps for the Socceroos but has been extremely unlucky not to have more and a World Cup appearance due to injury.
Williams was also appointed club captain of Middlesborough in 2012 and has played almost every not goalkeeping role at some point for the club.
He comes home to Perth with the club on a trajectory of signing local products. Williams becomes the 10th Perth-born player on the books for next season.
“I’m very excited to come home to Perth and join Kenny Lowe whom I’ve known for many years. He’s been a mentor to me since I was a teenager” Williams said.
“After 11 years in the UK, the opportunity to re-unite with my family and re-join a manager who believes in me and my football is the tonic I need for my career”.
He added: “I know a lot of the boys at the club since our ECU Joondalup days and I really can’t wait until the pre-season starts. I think Perth Glory fans can look forward to an exciting year ahead with so many WA boys in the line-up.”
“We know what Rhys can do. He’s been captain of Middlesbrough; he’s played for the Socceroos and has the qualities and attributes we want as a player and as a person,” coach Kenny Lowe said.
Rhys will not be the only Williams family member playing at the Glory next season, with brother Aryn also lining up.
“That’s the bonus for me. I’m not only coming home to re-join my family but Aryn will be there by my side on the training track, day-in day-out. I think that will benefit us both and can only bode well for the rest of the team,” he said.
Williams was also selected in the Socceroos squad for upcoming qualifiers, so a positive start in Perth could pave the way for him to return to the national set-up.
Perth were knocked out of this season’s A-League finals by Melbourne last weekend.
The Phantom Commissioner
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Chris Herd and Brett Holman
Fussball IUL
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I haven't watched any Middlesbrough matches for years - probably since Viduka played for them but, based on pure talent, if Mile Jedinak can captain a team in the EPL (playing an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday) ... Then Rhys Williams has more than enough quality to play every match in the EPL.
tully101
Roar Guru
bozza is the only one of the top of my head that played for villa, and recently jorden lyden.
tully101
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i have considered that approach to fuss but i think it'll just end in all the quality Australian players all playing for 4-5 clubs,
tully101
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i don't really think he would of played much EPL. the boro seems to have moved passed Rhys, playing 100% of the a-league games is better then only starting half a dozen premier league games
Midfielder
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Glory also reported to be chasing Chris Heard.... looking like a very WA based player squad...
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Dan Agree
Daniel T
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I acknowledge that the cap is holding back teams like MV, WSW, SFC and Perth, but we need to be very careful not to go the way of the SPL, Spain or even Germany where one/two teams dominate and everyone else falls into a distant third.
Daniel T
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Per my understanding (which may be wrong) I believe he still has another year on his contract
The Phantom Commissioner
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Aston Villa have had a fair few as well.
whiskeymac
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Leeds and Liverpool seem to have a few connections also.
Fussball IUL
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Good point, Middy. Salary Cap exemptions were introduced with then new CBA and Perth have quite a few lads in their squad who would be outside the salary (all or part). Exemptions from HAL Salary Cap 1) 2 Marquee players 2) unlimited Guest players who satisfy prescribed marketing criteria set by FFA & can play a max. 14 matches 3) Max. $150k on 3 AUS players u23 who have come through the club's youth system 4) Max $200k who have played 5+ consecutive seasons for the club using a progressive scale 5) AUS player over 21 who has not played fully professional league for 18 months 6) 3 x u20 AUS players on the minimum salary ($41k is min salary u20)
Fadida
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I'm not suggesting that PG are breaching the cap. Their recruiting has been quite brilliant, serious value for money. You then compare their squad to the pitiful ones at CCM and NJ. Amazing that they are limited by the same cap, and yes I realise the latter 2 haven't utilised the marquee clauses. I think the time has come to allow those who can spend a bit more to.... spend a bit more
The Phantom Commissioner
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When i lived in the Uk for a couple years in the mid naughties i had the pleasure of watching Boro's run to the UEFA Cup final with Dukes,Jones and Shwarzer in the side. The side had to overturn 2 or 3 goal deficits in both the quarter and semi final and managed to do it, absolutely amazing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dop_ZaLX7MA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UKp6EFjVWY
The Phantom Commissioner
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Daniel i agree on the midfield, i'd probably keep Sandor and let Nebo and Vadocz go. As you say Nebo apart from having a fantastic long range shot on him doesn't contribute enough and as we saw when Castro was out doesn't influence the midfield at all, also is one of the highest earners at the club if i'm not mistaken. Vadocz did a decent job while he was here but i'd put Rhys in front of the back four.
The Phantom Commissioner
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I highly doubt after all that happened last season the Glory would go straight back over the cap again, i'm pretty sure i read an interview with Peter Filopolous saying the club faces strict audits with all their signings. One thing i'd put out there is part of getting Keogh back is he would be bumped up to marquee wages next season so he and Castro (if he stays) will be paid outside the cap.
Midfielder
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Just back to PG pre Hall lets all hope they can recapture what they once were and then go on to for-fill their potential... and lets hope that Nick Tanna can be included in some way ... The sleeping giant of the A-League and as I posted earlier a strong PG is very good for Football...
Midfielder
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Good question mate I don't think so...
Midfielder
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there are cap additions... don't hold me to all of this because i am going from memory... Local player who becomes a Socceroo Returning local from overseas who played at a certain level Player you have had over five years Many of the players PG are signing would fall into these areas...
Fussball IUL
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I've not crunched any numbers and, to be honest, I've only thought about it for about 60 seconds but .. Would there be some merit in removing the Salary Cap for Australian players (NZL players for NIX) & having a Salary Cap (plus 1 marquee) only for foreigners?