Perth Glory is delighted to announce that exciting and experienced forward David Williams has signed a one-year deal with the club.
The twice-capped Socceroo has spent the last three years playing in the Indian Super League for Kolkata-based clubs ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan, winning the league title with the former and scoring a total of 17 goals in 55 appearances.
Prior to that, the Queenslander carved out a reputation as one of the A-League’s most dangerous attackers, playing 179 games and finding the net on 40 occasions during spells with Queensland Roar, North Queensland Fury, Melbourne Heart/City and most recently, Wellington Phoenix.
He is now excited to be returning to Australia and beginning a new chapter in his career with Glory.
“I feel privileged to be asked to join a club of rich history and with a big point to prove in the coming season,” he said.
“I feel lucky and happy in this moment.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the A-League, but I cannot wait to get back out there playing in front of my family and friends.
“I’ve had some good time away with my family and am now ready to get back into football and focus on getting fit, meeting my new teammates and preparing as best we can for the season ahead.
“[Head Coach] Ruben [Zadkovich] and I have been friends for quite some time; we played for junior national teams together and he knows me well.
“He gives me great confidence to come to Perth Glory and showcase what I can on the field and there’s also an opportunity for me to make a difference off the field which was a big attraction in joining the club.
“I know what this city and State has to offer and I’m looking forward to this next adventure with my wife and two young boys.
“I bring experience to this squad and I will be a positive influence on the young players and will push them to be the best they can be, while also doing my own job.
“I know it was a difficult season last year, but we have seen in the past across the whole league that things can change in an instant.
“With the way I play, I want to be able to entertain the Perth Glory Members and fans and anyone else who attends our games and make them want to come back and create the best atmosphere in the league.
“With the squad Ruben, [Head of Recruitment] Andy [Keogh] and the club have brought together this year and with a change in mentality and attitude, this football club can get back to winning ways and definitely have success.”
Glory Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich is confident that Williams will make a major impact at his new club.
“Willow is a quality addition to our squad,” he said.
“He is someone I’ve known for a long time; we played for national teams together from Young Socceroos all the way through to the senior side.
“He not only brings a wealth of experience at this level in the A-League, but also provides a lot of quality in the top half of the pitch to add a different dimension again to our attacking structures.
“He will also be a great sounding board and mentor to some of our younger prospects, which make him a great asset to the club both on and off the pitch.”
Those sentiments were echoed by the club’s Head of Recruitment, Andy Keogh.
“David Williams is a fantastic addition to our squad and will add a competitive dimension to the group,” he said. “I am delighted that he has chosen to come to Perth and help our famous club on and off the pitch.
“He is a credit to this beautiful country and we look forward to creating something special together.”
After making his A-League debut with Queensland Roar in 2006, Williams moved overseas for the first time to join leading Danish side Brondby for whom he would make more than 30 appearances in the top-flight Superliga.
Returning to Australia in 2010, he starred for North Queensland Fury and following their demise, signed with Melbourne Heart/City where he went on to play over 100 A-League games and score 20 goals.
After another spell in Europe, this time in Hungary where he found the net 20 times over the course of two seasons for Haladas, he joined Wellington Phoenix and enjoyed a stellar 2018/19 campaign with the Kiwi outfit which yielded 11 goals.
That impressive form earned Williams a move to ATK and during his first season in India, he helped the club clinch the Super League title.
At international level, meanwhile, he won Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 caps for Australia before making his Socceroos debut in a 2008 World Cup Qualifier against China.
Further signing announcements will be made shortly.
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