Reading have bolstered their squad with the addition of Randell Williams, who’s here until January. The specific date of his contract expiry hasn’t been revealed. He’s eligible to play on Thursday night.
Williams had been a triallist at Reading. A well hidden one initially, but pictures and rumours recently emerged on social media, revealing his presence ahead of the signing being made official.
The 28-year-old winger brings a fair whack of League One experience to the squad. He was most recently on the books of Leyton Orient, for whom he actually scored the winner on the final day against Wycombe Wanderers – a big goal in a playoff race that, of course, also featured Reading.
He started off with the Chairboys before featuring for Hull City. The most extensive spells of his career appearance-wise followed – at Exeter City and Bolton Wanderers (around 80 games each) – before a brief spell at Orient.
Williams has just shy of 100 League One appearances under his belt, according to Transfermarkt, as well as just over 80 in League Two and 20 in the Championship.
Besides that experience, he’s also versatile, capable of playing on both flanks. Given Reading frequently use wingers (typically now in a 4-2-3-1), and options have been somewhat light recently due to injury, it makes sense to get another body in.
Even with everyone fit though, Williams is more proven than youngsters Andre Garcia, Mamadi Camara and Daniel Kyerewaa at this level, and a lot younger/more energetic than veteran Matt Ritchie, so there’s a gap for him to fill.
So at the very least, he’ll add valuable depth and experience. If he does well, there’s the scope for him to stick around beyond January.
