Head honcho Aidy Boothroyd has refused to criticise consistent stopper Ben Williams, who has generally performed with a slight tough of under-rated class since his summer switch from Carlisle.
Williams is enjoying a solid introduction to life at Colchester, coming with a mixed reputation but at a bargain price following some indifferent reviews after a stop-start career to date.
But the former Manchester United youth-teamer is forging a reputation in the lower leagues as largely reliable, having had the difficult task of replacing popular ex number one, Dean Gerken.
As a testament to his first-team value, Boothroyd withdrew from the chance to blame the normally sound Williams for a possible error as he suffered his first loss as boss over the weekend.
He told the BBC: “The thing about defenders and goalkeepers is, if they make an error, then everybody looks at them and points at them, because there`s no room for error at the back.
“But I think Ben Williams is going to evolve into a really good goalkeeper. He`s got better and better even in the period that I`ve been here.”
Boothroyd went on to praise the “character and attitude” of a player who has previously this season stated that his personal development was hindered by a spell without a goalkeeping coach at Crewe.
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Ben Williams is without a doubt a top goalkeeper. As aidy says defenders and goalkeepers errors are highlighted so much. it was a unfortunate error at saturdays game but why didnt the defense clear the ball even before it came BW way?? Back to winning ways next week 🙂 up the U’s
Yes he made a mistake but then look at the amazing reflex saves to prevent certain goals in the Walsall and Huddersfield games that would have otherwise cost us points. I certainly feel more confident when teams attack us than when Gerken was between the sticks
Yep, no way he can he be criticised. Wasn’t optimistic when he signed but was the best thing Lambert did while here. 60K was real snip! Up the U’s!
Looking good people!