Williams out to relive Palace promotion memories (From This Is Local London)
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Williams out to relive Palace promotion memories
12:10pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Crystal Palace FC By Graham Moody, Sports Reporter
Aiming high: Jonathan Williams wants to relive promotion with Palace
The last time Crystal Palace were promoted, Jonny Williams was celebrating in the stands with his dad and brother. This time, he hopes to be on the pitch celebrating with his team-mates.
Williams has come of age this season and is fulfilling the potential Palace fans and academy staff have raved about for years as the Eagles challenge for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2005.
They last went up in the play-off final in 2004, beating West Ham United 1-0 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff thanks to Neil Shipperley's goal.
Williams was just 10 years old and part of the Eagles academy then but remembers the day fondly - with the thought of repeating it this May exciting him.
"It would be a dream for me personally," he said.
"To be at the club for so long and with all the stuff I have had recently with injuries would be a dream come true.
"I was there at the play-off final when I was in the academy and that was just an unbelievable feeling to be a part of that in the crowd. To think this team could actually achieve that this year is mad.
"I don't remember that season that clearly, I just remember the final and the semi-finals on TV and going to the Millennium. Hopefully, we can do that this year and it would be a dream come true.
"It's very exciting, the position we are in. Given the start we had at the start of the season, who would have thought we would be third with nine games left? It is possible so let see what happens."
Williams made his debut for Palace last season under Dougie Freedman but has become a regular fixture this term under Ian Holloway after overcoming a broken leg and calf and hamstring injuries.
"He's funny, very funny," said Williams on Holloway.
"He is very knowledgeable and knows his football. He is a great person to work with and has really helped me in the last few months as a player.
"He has boosted my confidence and told me not to worry about anything, just to go and play and get on the ball. He has used me in a central role which I have really enjoyed.
"He brings a great atmosphere everyday in training and you never see him down. It shows through in the team and it gives us the great team spirit we have."
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