Williams looks to elevate his game

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

With the opening and closing of the second transfer window for the Digicel Premier League (DPL) in January for the 2009/2010 season, a number of people debated and wondered aloud about the biggest signings.

Village United's forward Dino Williams was not a part of that conversation. But just over four months later, all that has changed.

Blessed with a special ability to find the back of the net, 20-year-old Williams has had perhaps the biggest impact on his team since January.

Prior to his arrival, Trelawny's Village were firmly rooted at the bottom half of the table and it appeared as if their year-to-year Houdini act had had its final run.

All of that changed in Williams' first game, as he netted on his debut to guide Village to a victory over eventual champions Harbour View at the Harbour View Mini Stadium.

That was just the beginning. In 14 matches since he joined the club in January, he has netted eight goals, a performance unmatched in the league.

most remarkable

On the back of Williams' goals, with support from captain Troy Smith, Delroy Ellis and goalkeeper Ryan Cooper and others, Village pulled away from the relegation zone into the safety of the DPL's top six.

What is most remarkable about Williams' performance is that despite his track record as a goal scorer, he managed to remain under the radar.

The young man, who grew up in the sometimes volatile community of Salt Spring in St James, was only interested in firing shots at goal and had successes early.

"After joining the Salt Spring Roses at 14, I played five seasons for them. In my final season for them, I scored 26 goals in about 22 games for them in 2008," said the former Green Pond High student.

From Salt Spring, Williams moved to Seba United where he wasted no time.

"In my first game for Seba, I scored a hat-trick. I played six games for them and had seven goals for them in the Confederation," Williams gushed, adding that he was not fully fit.

From Seba, he moved to Village in January 2010.

"Being in the Premier League and handling myself I think it is a good thing. I have been watching it ever since I was little and I really wanted to feel it and now that I have I really like it and I think I belong in it," he explained.

breaking in

Williams who grew up admiring Kevin Lamey and the Brazilian Ronaldo, said his move to Village and his subsequent performance has brought him closer to his dream.

"For me, the plan is to represent the country and hopefully get a contract overseas. My preference would be to play in Spain, but I would play in England or even America ... anywhere.

"In 2008, when I finished the daCosta Cup season, I was called to the Under-20s, but I do not believe I got a fair chance. I went there as a forward or right-sided midfielder, but coach (Donovan) Duckie pushed me into a defensive midfield position which I did not manage well. I had not played there before and I don't think it was for me," he said disappointedly.

That disappointment, according to Williams, made him work even harder as he sees himself breaking into the Reggae Boyz squad eventually.

"Right now, based on my performance, I am hoping to be invited to the country's Under-23 squad so that I can show that I belong.

"I have performed well enough in the Premier League to be considered," said the man who credits his success in the league to his coaches, as well as "training and application".