Sport · Swindon
Former Town favourite Jonny Williams reveals frustration over club exit
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Welsh international Jonny Williams has spoken candidly about the 'broken promises' that led to his departure from Swindon Town in 2023.
Former Swindon Town playmaker Jonny Williams has revealed that his departure from the Nigel Eady County Ground at the end of the 2022/23 season was prompted by a series of broken promises. The Welsh international, who became a firm favourite with the Town faithful, opened up about his exit during an appearance on The Fozcast with former goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Williams joined Swindon ahead of the 2021/22 season, reuniting with manager Ben Garner, under whom he had previously played in the Crystal Palace academy. His arrival was part of a rapid squad assembly that saw the club reach the League Two play-offs that year. Reflecting on his decision to drop two tiers from the Championship to join the Wiltshire side, Williams admitted that he was at a stage in his career where he simply wanted to feel wanted and rediscover his enjoyment of the game.
While his time at Swindon proved statistically to be the most prolific period of his career, yielding more goals and assists than at any other club, the midfielder suggested that the environment behind the scenes did not match the initial vision presented to him. I really enjoyed my years there, but a lot of things were promised at the start that never came to fruition. By the end of the two years, we had agreed that they were not going to be able to keep me. I really wanted to stay at the time, but it was not made possible for one reason or another.
Following his departure in 2023, Williams went on to spend three seasons with Gillingham. However, his connection to Swindon remained, leading to a trial period with the club this past summer. Despite featuring in pre-season friendly matches against Bristol City and Leyton Orient, current manager Ian Holloway ultimately decided not to offer the midfielder a new contract.
The revelation provides a final chapter to the narrative surrounding his exit, confirming that while the player maintained an affinity for the club, the circumstances surrounding the club's administration and management made a prolonged stay impossible. For supporters who saw Williams as a key creative force during a transitional period for the team, his comments offer a frank insight into the internal pressures that often shape the composition of the squad away from the pitch.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Football · View original