Fleetwood Town forward Theo Williams made his Town and EFL debut on Saturday afternoon after coming on as a sub in the match against Shrewsbury Town
The young forward joined Fleetwood in the summer from Premier League side Sheffield United – where he spent seven years with the Club, before making move across the Pennines.
Williams has featured in the first two matches for the Development Squad in their new Professional Development League, opening his account at Highbury in the win over Cardiff City, and bagging the all-important third in the away win at Watford.
We caught up with Theo after the match on Saturday, and here’s what he had to say:
On the build-up to the Shrewsbury match…
“Friday was the first time I trained with the first team. Our Under-21s coach Matt Lawlor grabbed me before training and said that the first team want me to train with them and I couldn’t believe it.
“There were some nerves just before I stepped out onto the training pitch, but that’s expected. I thought I trained well and I must have done as moments later after it has finished, I found out I would be in the matchday squad. It was quicker than what I was used to, I had to get my breath back a few times but the whole squad was supportive and kept motivating me.
“It was a huge buzz to hear I was called up. I text my mum, my family and a few of my friends straight away because it was such a proud moment in my career. When I arrived at Highbury, it hit me more and I just wanted to keep my head and stay calm.”
On the second Theo was told to get ready…
“After Jack Marriott got injured, the manager [Scott Brown] turned to me and said Theo go and get ready. I wasn’t expecting to come on because of the way the game was going but when I got the shout, I was ready for it.
"The one thing the gaffer said to me was work hard and give it my all and enjoy myself and I did that. It was a great feeling to play in the EFL. It’s what everyone dreams of as a young footballer to play professional football and I’m proud to say I have done that.
"Now I have done, I want more so I have to keep working hard for my opportunities, but I also know it’s important to keep grounded and take every game as it comes.”
On the impact of family and making them proud…
“I’d like to thank my dad for helping me along my journey from the age of 7 taking me to training and games. He’s never missed a game, whether that was home or away, and he’s always been there so without him this would’ve never been possible.
“I’m grateful for him and my mum and siblings for the support as always. The whole family is around it and they are always pushing me to do more and to do my best, so I thank them a lot and I hope I’m making them proud.”
Do you want to sponsor Theo Williams for the 2023/24 season? If you do, pleas contact our Commercial Team via email at commercial@fleetwoodtownfc.com and they will be able to assist you with your request.