Williams heads for exit door

6:34am Thursday 26th June 2008

GAVIN Williams is on the verge of leaving Ipswich Town.

The Welshman is close to agreeing a move to a rival Coca-Cola Championship side.

Town are keeping the identity of the club under wraps but reports in the West Country suggest Williams is about to join Bristol City.

The midfielder has already agreed personal terms and a fee has been negotiated - believed to be somewhere in the region of £330,000.

"Gavin's move looks like it's going to happen," Blues boss Jim Magilton told the Gazette.

"Nothing has been finalised yet but there shouldn't be any problems.

"Gavin's a very good player but I think he'll look back on his time here with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

"At times he looked fantastic and, on his day, he was as good as any midfielder in the division, but injury curtailed his performances and limited his opportunities.

"We didn't see enough of his best form which is a pity as he always had enormous potential."

Williams' chances at Ipswich appeared to be limited and there was a strong chance he would leave this summer. Swansea City were also rumoured to be interested.

"He's a lively lad and you need personalities like that at a football club," added Magilton.

"It takes all sorts of personalities and, if he settles down and gets games under his belt, he'll become a very good player again.

"Gavin also felt it was time to make a clean break.

"If he comes back and plays well against us I can't look back with any regrets. We wish him well."

City were first linked with Williams in January and - assuming Ashton Gate is his destination - it would mean a reunion with Robins boss Gary Johnson, who he worked under at Yeovil Town, prior to his spell with West Ham.

Williams joined Town from the Hammers in January 2006 and he managed three goals in his 59 appearances.

For more Town news, see today's Gazette.

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