Williams: 'Woody Has Lots To Prove'

Former U's boss Geraint Williams has said that Anthony Wordsworth still has a lot to prove if he is going to make it at the higher level.

Williams was the U's manager during the club's time in the Championship when Woody came through the ranks, and handed him his league debut in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City in the relegation season.

However, speaking to BBC Essex, Williams admits that Wordsworth always needed to make more of an impact.

He said: 'We always felt there was more to come and he needed pushing to make a bigger impact more often.

'He can be fantastic and score a great goal, but then he may feel he has done enough for the day. He must now push on or else he won't get into a Championship side on a regular basis.'

Wordsworth often polarises opinion amongst supporters with his languid style giving the impression that he is lazy and disinterested in the outcome.

However, although Williams is sure of Anthony's ability, he questions the motivation that young players in general now have.

'Anthony has the physique and he's always comfortable on the ball,' he reflected. 'But he needed more impact on the pitch.

'What motivates today's young players? As a young man I always wanted to play at Anfield and beat the best, but I'm not sure these days.

'Sometimes young players are given too much, too quickly, and they think that they've made it - it must come from within as he won't be getting games under Mick McCarthy unless he earns it.

'Lower down you may get away with it every now and again as you have more ability, but that won't be the case now.'

Although praise must go to Wordsworth for developing into a fine playmaker during his senior years with the U's, there is still much work to do be done.

Williams, who is now in charge of the Welsh U21s national side, insists that Woody has plenty to prove.

He finished: 'He looks better when he uses the ball quickly, and if he does that he'll get more time on it.

'But he definitely has plenty to prove; if he thinks he has made it now that's he's signed for Ipswich then he will have a rude awakening.

'It is a step up, and he also has to step up as well.'


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