Stone football up & comer Josh Williams has signed a professional deal with English premiership club, Crystal Palace.
Following a six week trial with the London-based outfit, the 20-year-old left-back agreed terms and has already turned out on four occasions for the club’s under-23s.
Josh impressed for the Eagles during a pre-season representative game against Bromley FC, but picked up an injury and missed out on a deal in August. He worked on his fitness and went back to play for local side Newcastle Town. The former Stafford Grammar School pupil seized the opportunity when he was invited to Selhurst Park a second time, earning a contract after six weeks.
His father Ben said: “I’m really proud of Josh, particularly his mentality. He went down to play tier six football but was still determined to impress. He made his own break and really deserves it. His short term goal is to try to secure a long term contract with Crystal Palace or another professional club and play first team football.”
As a youngster, the former SGS defender was snapped up by Aston Villa’s academy where he progressed through the ranks, leaving school after his GCSE examinations to join Villa’s youth team.
Having earned his first Wales cap at under-15 level, Josh was on international duty again last year for Wales under-19s. He was offered a pro-contract by Villa when he was 18 but was released soon afterwards and last season joined League Two side, Morecambe, to compete in their development squad before moving to Newcastle Town to gain experience in adult football.
Josh lined-up recently for Crystal Palace under-23s against Leeds United, Bolton and QPR, and competed in a tight match for the Eagles which ended in a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Watford.
Stafford Grammar’s head of sports studies and Josh’s former PE teacher, Lee Harwood, said: “As a schoolboy Josh was a very talented all-round sportsman. On a football pitch he was very composed on the ball and displayed an excellent skill set. His quiet nature together with his hard working attitude made him an excellent team player. We’re delighted to see him sign for Crystal Palace and wish him all the best in his professional career.”
