Whilst in lockdown, Jonny Williams has had time to reflect on last season’s memorable play-off final win against his former club Sunderland.
Williams came on as a 71st minute substitute against the Black Cats at Wembley and played a crucial part in the win, drawing fouls from the opposition with his direct running at defenders.
The midfielder has revealed the instructions given to him as he was preparing to make an impact.
He said: “I was told to get on the ball and drive. Bows [Lee Bowyer] said 'go and get involved, cause them problems' and it’s what I tried to do.
“It was an amazing day for the club and myself on an individual basis, overcoming injuries. It was an emotional day for everyone involved. It was hard playing against my old team, but one team had to win on the day. I didn’t know it was literally the last minute on the pitch, I thought there was still like 10 minutes left! When the whistle went, I couldn’t believe it.”
During his time in lockdown, Williams explained how he relived the historic day with his father and had binged on Sunderland Til’ I Die season two after being a huge part of the successful first series on Netflix.
“I watched series two of Sunderland Til’ I Die,” he said. “I saw what the fans said! A bit of a contrast of opinion. It’s tough but one team had to win and on the day, it was Charlton.
“I watched the game back for the first time on the anniversary, my dad was watching it. I caught him watching it and joined in, watching the second half and there were some big performances all round, we nullified their attack and it was great to watch back. I don’t normally watch games back, but I had to make an exception for Wembley. I played alright too so I didn’t mind watching it!”
Alongside playing in a European Championship semi-final for his country, Wales, the 26-year-old explained just how much of an important moment the play-off final victory was for him.
He said: “I’ve played in a semi-final of the European Championships but that day at Wembley was right up there as one of the best days of my career for different reasons.
“When you get knocked down through injuries, being overlooked at Palace numerous times - I felt I had a point to prove. My goal was to get Charlton promoted when I joined, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. To go up at Wembley in the last minute, I would rather that than win the league!”
Article by Nick Emms