Williams Joins On Loan

Williams Signs
By Chris O'Brien
September 22 2004

City fans will have been surprised to hear the news that Lennie Lawrence has signed Sunderland defender Darren Williams ahead of Saturday's visit to Wolverhampton on a one-month loan. The 27-year-old tough defender has 'B' and under-21 international honours with England.

After a run of torrid form in the Football League Championship, things are starting to look just a little brighter at Ninian Park. The 4-1 demolition of a woeful Milton Keynes Dons side has been followed with the loan signing of Sunderland defender Darren Williams as Lennie Lawrence looks to strengthen a backline which has been weak so far this term.

The versatile defender is expected to go straight into the Bluebirds side that will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on the weekend, probably replacing the off-form Rhys Weston on the right side of defence. He joins the club initially for one month. The experienced Williams has been Sunderland's longest-serving player, but is now surplus to requirements with the North East club and will join Cardiff for a month with the possibility of an extension.

The 27-year-old has international honours at B and under-21 level with England, and has played a key role in the Sunderland set-up in recent years. He was solid in defence as Sunderland went onto win the First Division title in 1999, and he has made over 200 appearances for the club whom he joined from York City for £50,000 in June 1996.

Williams is expected to add some bottle to the Cardiff line which has conceded soft goals this term. His versatility and experience are both advantages, and the new arrival should help boost the mood at the club following a dismal start to the Football League campaign.

The news that Gary Croft will miss the next 6 months with injury is likely to have been a determining factor in the club's decision to bring in Williams. Welcome to Ninian Park.

 

City fans will have been surprised to hear the news that Lennie Lawrence has signed Sunderland defender Darren Williams ahead of Saturday's visit to Wolverhampton. The 27-year-old tough defender has 'B' and under-21 international honours with England, and would appear a good acquisition.