Charlton boss Lee Bowyer: Jonny Williams isn’t close to signing a deal

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Lee Bowyer says that Jonny Williams is no nearer to signing a contract at Charlton after fans had hoped some social media activity had hinted at a deal being close.

Striker Lyle Taylor teased a clip of Williams’ photo hanging up in the Addicks dressing room on his Instagram account during the week but Bowyer said the situation hadn’t changed as the South Londoners hope to tie down one of their promotion heroes from last season.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder has been training with the squad at Sparrows Lane and joined them on their pre-season tour in Spain.

“I’m not on Instagram or anything like that. I wasn’t even aware of it until you just said,” joked the Addicks boss.

“Jonny, it is what it is. We all know the situation regarding Jonny. Yes, we would like to have him but the situation at tough. His wage he was on at Palace was big and we don’t have that. We have to be patient with him.

“It’s going to be difficult next week. I spoke to him yesterday about it. We’re playing Tuesday and Wednesday. So, he might have a few days off. He played quite a bit through the summer with Wales so he had a shorter break than everybody anyway. He said ‘do you mind if I have a few days off,’ and I said ‘Jonny, you’re not our player! If you want to have a week off, that’s your choice.’

“He’s a lovely lad and really respectful but he won’t be in on Tuesday and Wednesday.”