Jamie Carragher helped AFC Telford new-boy

The 24-year-old midfielder became the latest Bucks capture yesterday when he signed a one-year deal after leaving Hednesford Town, who suffered the drop from National League North.

Williams is full-time head coach at the Jamie Carragher sports and learning academy in Liverpool, where he has worked for the last four years.

Reds' Champions League winner Carragher takes a hands-on role in his academy and Williams revealed how the former England defender helped him through some tough times.

Williams said: "Last year, I spoke to him quite a lot about the mental side of the game. Of course, he's never been in a relegation battle because of all the years he spent at Liverpool.

"But there were times when he was left out of the England squad and when he came towards the end of his career, when he wasn't playing as much as he wanted to and he decided to retire.

"There was stuff like that when I've tapped into his knowledge and how he coped and it definitely helped."

Williams' career has taken in winning the play-offs to reach League One with Stockport and promotion from National League North with Hyde and Halifax.

But he admits relegation with Hednesford hit him hard, continuing: "It was a learning curve for me.

"I hope I can bounce back with a new team – what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and it will definitely improve my game.

"I've played in promotion-winning teams but relegation was tough and I'm up for a new challenge."

Williams is delighted with his move, adding: "I'm over the moon to be signing for Telford – it's a club with great potential.

"I know Rob and Larry well and some other members of staff and players and everyone speaks highly of the club.

"Every time I've played there the fans have been great so I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I got to know Rob Smith (manager) and Larry Chambers (assistant) at Hednesford – they took me there at the start of last season and we've always kept in touch since."

Meanwhile, Curtis Tilt is set for an early reunion with Telford as he returns to the New Bucks Head with new club Wrexham, after a pre-season friendly was arranged between the clubs on Tuesday July 26.