Gareth Williams
| 1999 - 2004 | Midfielder | 143 (11) games | 9 goals |
After graduating from Paul Hart's youth academy, Williams made his debut under David Platt in the 1999/00 season. He made a few substitute appearances that year, but by the end of 2000/01 he was starting to establish himself as a first-team regular, following in the footsteps of David Prutton and becoming a fans' favourite in midfield.
Having being re-united with Paul Hart for the 2001/02 season, Gareth was deployed behind the rest of the midfield, his talent and vision allowing him to instigate the Forest attack. He had excellent passing ability, a good touch and control, and also showed great imagination that saw him win the club's official Player of the Season award that year
However, in later seasons for the Reds, Williams often failed to implement his talents to their maximum potential. He frustrated fans by playing within himself. Many feared that the interest of a number of big clubs, including his beloved Rangers, might have spoiled his game by distracting his focus. Others believed that Hart, who seemed to regard Williams as his "Golden Boy" above all the other academy graduates, was playing the young Scot too deep and not allowing him to fully use his creative abilities.
It was only in the latter part of 2003/04 season, under the guidance of new manager Joe Kinnear that Forest fans were once again treated to the best of Williams. Kinnear moved him from the back to the front of the midfield diamond, forcing him to play a more active role in the Forest attack. It worked, and Williams was playing with a new verve, even scoring four rare goals.
Sadly this was the last Forest were to see of his talents as he left the club that summer under a cloud. Having rejected three offers to renew his contract, Williams accepted an offer to play for local rivals Leicester City. The praise he had been receiving at the end of the season was in stark contrast to what was now being said about him and his "selfish" attitude.
Forest put up a fight to keep hold of Williams, and eventually his transfer fee
will be settled by FA tribunal, although the decision will probably be a disappointing sum for a player who was once valued at £6m. During his time at Forest, he captained the side in a number of matches and also won five full international caps for Scotland.