No selection fears for Fylde defender Williams

The towering centre-half has made the move from National League side Barrow this summer to fill the void left by club captain Tom Hannigan.

While the 29-year-old could face stiff competition, he is confident of seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Williams said: “We haven’t even started playing the friendlies yet, so we will have to wait and see. That said, I’ve come here to play and I’m not afraid of anyone being ahead of me.

“I just have to concentrate on myself. It’s not going to be easy because there are a lot of good players here, but if I am the best I can be I don’t think I will have a problem getting into the team.”

Williams admits the first week of training was tough but he believes his summer preparations have set him up.

“It’s certainly been testing. The first week involved a lot of running without much ball work, but that’s to get a base fitness in there,” he said.

“I didn’t go away in the summer and I managed to get a couple of weeks’ work done, so I had a bit of a head-start come pre-season.

“It has been tough and at a high level but I feel good. I’m confident with my fitness and glad I did that bit extra.

“Hopefully it will help me avoid any little niggling injuries that are easy to pick up in pre-season. I’m feeling strong and ready for the season.

“The lads are all sound and there are a few familiar faces, which helped me to settle in. There is a good vibe around the place. Everyone is very calm and relaxed, and I think that will help us be successful.”

Fylde face Scottish side Stranraer in their first warm-up match on Friday and Williams can’t wait to get started.

“I haven’t kicked a ball over the summer, so it will be great to get the legs back working. I’m sure we will all be slightly rusty for a couple of games, but that’s standard whoever you are,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I know the rest of the lads are. I imagine there will be a lot more ball work leading up to Friday’s game, maybe a few five-a-sides. We’ll wait and see what the gaffer has in store for us.”

DANIEL AGNEW