NEW-SIGNING Ryan Williams sees no reason why Weymouth cannot emulate his former club Aldershot Town and one day win promotion to the Football League.
The 29-year-old winger helped the Shots claim the Blue Square Premier title last season and he believes everything is "geared up" at the Terras to do the same in the coming years under the management team of John Hollins and Alan Lewer.
Williams joined Town on a permanent deal in January 2006 and soon cemented a first-team place until he suffered a knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace last summer.
That setback virtually ruled him out of the Hampshire outfit's entire Champion-ship campaign in which he ended up making just one appearance at Halifax Town last month.
Reflecting on the past year, Williams said: "Obviously it has been a great time at Aldershot but I had a knee injury that kept me out for quite a while which was pretty tough.
"I came back and was involved quite a bit in the final two months of the season but in football things change.
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"Originally there was a deal on the table for me but they then pulled it, explaining how they feel they have enough cover in my position and need to free up some money.
"Of course that was a bit disappointing because everyone wants to play in the League, particularly after having worked so hard to get there, but at the end of the day I just want to get back playing regular football.
"I recently came down and looked around Weymouth and I instantly felt really welcome. As a footballer it is always nice to feel wanted and there is no doubt that under John and Alan everything is geared up here.
"I played under Alan for a month when I went to Forest Green Rovers on loan from Bristol Rovers and I have a lot of respect for him and John.
"They came here in difficult circumstances and have turned things around and there is now no reason why we cannot push on, and who knows, maybe even do the same that Aldershot have done.
"The end of a season and the start of a new one signals a fresh start for everyone and if John and Alan manage to get in a few more of the players they are looking at then we should have a cracking squad."
Williams has gained League experience with several clubs including Bristol Rovers, Mansfield Town, Tranmere Rovers and Chesterfield but he is now looking forward to life on the south coast.
He added: "I have played down here at Weymouth a few times and the one thing that has always struck me is how nice the playing surface is, which suits me down to the ground because I like to see football played in the right way.
"I have also been really impressed with the town itself. It is absolutely gorgeous and when I came down to look around I was made up.
"I am a northern boy and my family live up north so I expect I will got home every other weekend. It means a bit of travelling but we have got a lot of games up north anyway so it should not be too bad.
"It is great that everything has been sorted and I now cannot wait for the start of pre-season. Hopefully there are some good times ahead."
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