Kingstonian's Williams aiming high in 2009 (From Streatham Guardian)

Kingstonian's Williams aiming high in 2009

8:00am Wednesday 31st December 2008

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With two kids, one on the way, his own business to run and a promotion bid to handle, you could say Kingstonian midfielder Tommy Williams will have his hands full in 2009.

Boss Alan Dowson’s men are well placed to launch a bid for the Ryman League Division One South title having made a good start to the season.

Early exits in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy are the only real blemishes, but Williams - signed from Boreham Wood last season - insists with so much on his plate, it could be a blessing in disguise.

The 29-year-old was part of the Wood side that claimed the Southern League Eastern Division title and reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy in 2006, which they lost to Woking over two legs.

That season remains the highlight of his career - which started at Millwall - but he reckons the cup run was nearly a step too far for the small squad they had at Meadow Park at the time.

“I’d have to say the spell at Boreham Wood was the best of my career and that season in particular was really special,” he said.

“It almost didn’t work out that way. Because of the cup we had so many games to catch up and it almost cost us. We had such a small squad and it caught up with us. We haven’t got that excuse this time around.

“I’ve got the semi-final games on DVD and when you look at it the games were there to be taken. We were in awe of them, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”

A back injury as a trainee at Millwall ended Williams hopes of a full-time career in the game early, but the former Carshalton Athletic midfielder can at least claim he has enjoyed the best of both worlds.

The Richmond-based personal trainer, who can be spotted driving a BMW X3, was Eastenders actress and FHM favourite Michelle Ryan’s former boyfriend and enjoyed the trimmings that went with it.

But he claims his four-year stint in the celebrity spotlight wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and is still suffering the fall out.

“We used to get invited to a lot of parties but I can honestly say we went to far less than we were asked to. I liked my privacy too much,” he added.

“It is weird because people in the street think Eastenders is real life and we were always getting hassled when we were out shopping.

“I always used to get stick from the away fans. They once sang the Eastenders theme tune when I ran out the tunnel. It was all a bit strange, but our relationship finished on good terms.

“I still get my picture in magazines because people mix me up with Peterborough United’s Tom Williams - who is with that girl from I’m a Celebrity - but I like to point out I’m a better player.”

Now Williams is happy just to be leading the Ks midfield and providing for one-year-old Lola - born on New Year’s Day and six-year-old George and says fatherhood is becoming a bit of a theme at Kingsmeadow.

“I got my girlfriend Natalie pregnant around the time I scored in three games on the bounce. It seemed everything I hit found the target at that time,” he joked.

“Wayne Finnie has got three kids and Simon Huckle has three. I think we’re having a bit of competition to see how many more we can have between now and the end of the season.”

Hopefully Williams won’t be left holding the baby come May.

Name: Tommy Williams.

Date of birth: June 30, 2008.

Lives: Richmond.

Job: Personal trainer.

Previous clubs: Millwall, QPR, Fulham, Hayes, Staines Town, Carshalton Athletic, Wealdstone, Boreham Wood.

One thing to do before you’re 30: Get promoted with Ks.

Joker in the pack: I’m definitely the funniest bloke at the club. Luke Naughton’s banter is shocking.

Who’s the longest in the shower?: Adam Thompson.

Which team mate would you least like to be stranded on a desert island with?: Bobby Traynor. He’d eat everything.

And another thing: Williams was a guest at Wayne Rooney’s 18th birthday with former girlfriend Eastenders actress Michelle Ryan.

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