Williams Wanted A Fresh Challenge

Ben Williams says he felt it was time for a fresh challenge after leaving the Alex this summer. Williams played 49 games last season between the sticks for the Railwaymen but despite being offered a new three year deal by the club he opted to sign a similar deal at Carlisle United yesterday.

The 25 year old’s decision didn’t come as a surprise or with much disappointment as Williams came under fire from a large section of the Crewe support towards the end of last season.

Now settling into his new club Carlisle United, Ben admits that he felt it was time for a new challenge after three years at Crewe. The former Man Utd trainee told News & Star Sport of his move: ‘I had a very good offer to stay at Crewe but I felt the time was right for me to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere and Carlisle fit the bill in every way.

“I need to progress my career and I`m sure I`ll do that with Carlisle.

“It helps as a keeper when you`ve got good defenders in front of you and there are some very good defenders at Carlisle. I aim to be a very reliable last line of that defence.

“I think [Westwood] kept 19 clean sheets for Carlisle last season but I kept 13 in a team that struggled throughout. I`m proud of that.”

Meanwhile, Steve Holland hopes to have Ben’s replacement in by the weekend with former Southend keeper Steve Collis looking likely to sign a contract with the club.