Ben Williams is thrilled to have added a further three years on to his Barnsley contract this week.
The 19-year-old left-back has been rewarded for a breakthrough season – in which he has made his first 12 senior appearances for League One’s second-placed side – with a deal new until 2022. Williams, who joined the club in 2017 after his release from Blackburn, told the Chronicle: “I am really chuffed.
“It has taken a while but it’s good to get it signed. I didn’t see this season going as well as it has for me. To be at Barnsley until 2022 is brilliant because it’s a very exciting time for the club. It’s good to have my long-term future secured and my next task now is to work towards another contract and stay even longer.”
Williams played all six games in January but has missed the last six games due to a quad injury. He said: “I am ready to play again now and everyone will be needed because we have some big games coming up in a short space of time. We’re all just working towards promotion and we are very confident we can do it. To achieve that in my first season would be incredible.”
Although he is from Preston, Williams qualifies to play for Wales and has represented them at under 17 level. He is hoping to join Barnsley team-mates Adam Davies and Ryan Hedges in Ryan Giggs’ squad, which is due to meet in the international break this month. He is also eligible for the under 21s squad which is due to meet for a training camp.
Williams said: “It was a great honour to represent Wales at youth level and hopefully I can get another call-up. I know Ryan Giggs has been watching a few of our games so hopefully he has been impressed by me.
“Davo and Hedgey have given me a lot of encouragement about it. It would be an absolute pleasure for it to happen but I will just focus on playing well for Barnsley.”
