'Extra motivation' - Harry Williams opens up on injury hell after signing new Walsall deal
Defender Harry Williams say he is "hugely grateful" for the backing he has received from Walsall after signing a new two-year deal, with the option of a further year.
Williams was initially feared to be out for the season, after rupturing his Achilles during the Saddlers' 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon in the League Two play-off final in May.
The Express & Star understands that it's still within the realms of possibility that Williams could make his comeback before the end of the season.
The 23-year-old, who scored three goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for Walsall last term, had been continuing his rehabilitation at Essington, despite his previous deal expiring on June 30.
He confirmed that he underwent a successful surgery earlier in the summer and is now focused on coming back stronger.
"It's been a difficult time for myself coming to terms with such a big injury and the uncertainty that comes with it all," Williams said.
"But now it's finally sorted, I'm delighted and can really focus on coming back stronger knowing I've got the backing from the club, which I'm hugely grateful for.
"It's tough seeing the lads training and not being able to join in, but it gives me the extra motivation to work harder each day in the gym, and I'm really looking forward to being out on the pitch.
"I'm still a long way away but every day I'm getting closer - I'm three months post-surgery and making really good progress, and working extremely hard on myself.
"Being back around the lads and staff has been great for me mentally too. It can be a tough and lonely place sometimes when going through an injury to this extent, but with the people and the characters we have at the club, it makes it so much easier and I can't thank everyone enough."
Mat Sadler previously outlined his intentions to keep Williams at the club for the long-term future, after the defender made his breakthrough under the Walsall boss last term.
Williams joined the Saddlers from non-league Alvechurch during Sadler's first summer at the helm and played 56 times for the club in total.
After tying Williams down to a new deal, Sadler described him as an "important" part of their journey so far, and is delighted to secure his long-term future at Bescot.
"I'm delighted we've secured Harry's long-term future with the club," Sadler added.
"It's something that we've all been working together on over the last three or four months, especially since his injury.
"We wanted to make sure we continued to support him throughout his recovery and the rehabilitation process, which is coming along really well.
"You can see in his eyes that he's got that bit between his teeth to comeback better and stronger. He's an important piece of our journey so to secure his long-term future is another really good addition to the squad.
"The focus for us now remains the same, to get him on to the pitch and support him through his rehab, which we'll continue to do.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him back out there with the group."
