George Williams eyes promotion to Sky Bet Championship with Barnsley
Friday 27 May 2016 13:58, UK
Barnsley defender George Williams is hoping to make it two successive summers of celebration this weekend - but for very different reasons.
Last year the 23-year-old earned a degree in sports science and management at Loughborough University, four years after being released by MK Dons.
Twelve months later he is one game away from becoming a Championship player as the Reds take on Millwall in the Sky Bet League 1 play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.
Victory for Paul Heckingbottom's side would complete a remarkable journey for Williams, who was heartbroken at his 2012 exit from the Dons.
He combined his studies with playing in non-league and the full-back got his second chance at Oakwell in December 2015 after joining from Worcester.
Now the chance to earn a second Wembley win of the season - after the club's Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph - and cap off a superb 12 months is getting Williams excited.
"I have had a different route in the professional game, went to university and played non-league, so it means a hell of a lot to be here," he said.
"I graduated last year and now it's nice just to focus on football. Towards the end of last season I was training and then going back to uni for lectures.
"I got released at 18 and I'd always liked studying so I went there but my goal was to get back to full-time football and as well as that get a degree.
"Professional football doesn't happen for many people so I would have a career in sports science. I am glad I have done that and I will have that to fall back on whenever that day comes."
