MK Dons defender George Williams has signed a new three-year deal with the club. This comes after he joined from Barnsley at the end of the 2015/16 season and being voted as the Dons’ Player of the Season for the last campaign. The 24-year old was originally released by the club when he was 18. However, he has now become an integral part of Robbie Neilson’s team.
What George Williams’ Deal
In 2012, George Williams was released from the MK Dons academy. After being at the club since under-14 level, Karl Robinson showed him the exit door. This didn’t knock Williams for long, however. He soon got back into football by joining the team at Loughborough University, where he studied. The team competed in the Midland Football League. His performances here saw him earn a contract at Conference North side Worcester City in August 2013. Williams was also part of the Worcester team that famously defeated Coventry City in the FA Cup.
On 22nd December, Williams joined Barnsley, making his debut four days later in a 1-0 defeat to Preston. In his second season with the club, Williams helped Barnsley to play-off promotion from League One as well as winning the Football League Trophy. This came along with a loan spell at non-league Barrow part way through the season. Despite his performances in the two seasons, which saw his contribute one goal in his time, Williams was released at the end of the 2015/16 season.
Williams then signed a two-year deal with the club that released him as a teenager, joining on a free transfer. He made his debut for the Dons as a 90th minute substitute against Shrewsbury on the opening day. From here, he slowly worked his way into a starting position. His first goal came in the 3-3 home draw against Bristol Rovers, scoring a looping header past Kelle Roos. Such was the class of Williams’ performances, he was elected captain for the away game against Bury, with captain Dean Lewington and vice-captain Darren Potter both ruled out. He and the team kept a clean sheet in the game, leaving Gigg Lane with a 0-0 draw.
Rewarded For the Hard Work
The consistency of Williams’ performances continued. It resulted in the defender winning both Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season at the end of season awards. Then came the news that all Dons fans had been hoping for. Williams signed a new 3-year deal at the club, keeping him there until 2020. It’s reward for some excellent displays in his first season back, in which he rarely made a mistake.
Speaking to the MK Dons website, Williams said “I’m over the moon, I’ve loved being back here so I’m really happy to sign for another three years. Last season was a good one for me as I felt I did well. Each game I felt I was improving and I was really enjoying my football – it was probably the most I’ve enjoyed my football.”
Rasulo Extends Contract
The Dons were also boosted by the news that youngster Giorgio Rasulo signed a new 1-year deal earlier in the week. The 20-year old, who has had loan spells at Oxford, Aldershot, and Oldham, has made 22 appearances for the senior team since his debut in 2012. Manager Robbie Neilson said of the move “I’m delighted to get Giorgio’s deal extended. I hope he will continue to progress and realise his full potential in the coming season and beyond.”
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