Shaun Williams reveals his best piece of advice for Millwall’s young prospects

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall’s young players have benefitted from Shaun Williams’ advice this season.

The veteran midfielder, 34, is being released by the Lions this summer but had also taken on some coaching duties in the 2020-21 campaign.

Asked about his best piece of advice for an aspiring player, Williams said: “Are you doing as much as someone in the first-team already? Are you eating right and training as hard as you can?

“At the end of the day you are trying to take the place of the person already in the first-team.

“For instance, are they doing enough to make themselves better than Hutch [Shaun Hutchinson] or Coops [Jake Cooper]? If anything they should be doing more.

“You get the facilities and staff, so are you making the most of your career? If they look back and didn’t have the career they wanted, would there be regrets? I have tried to train as well as I can and look after myself, and luckily enough I was able to play 295 games for Millwall.”

Williams picks out Jed Wallace as the best player from a technical aspect during his time with the Lions. But there are also other ingredients that can be just as important to making a team tick.

“Jed is a matchwinner,” said Williams. “He has proven that in the last couple of years – he can provide that moment in a game.

“He has been doing it in the Championship and hitting double figures for goals and assists. I’m sure he’ll continue that run of form he is on.

“But then overall there is Pearcey [Alex Pearce] and his qualities as a captain, leader and general all-round nice person in the current squad.

“In the past it would be Moro [Steve Morison] and Gregs [Lee Gregory]. I just felt when we turned up to a game and those two were on form we were unbeatable.

“They had a great relationship both on and off the pitch. It was a pleasure to play with them.

“I’ve seen people go the other way [affected negatively by Millwall fans]. You have to be a bit of a strong character and know what you are there for, that it is your job and you have got to try your best for the club.”