He was a regular in the side that missed out on promotion to the Premier League, eventually losing to Bolton Wanderers in the 1994–95 First Division play-off final at Wembley.
He returned to Reading during the 1999–2000 season and played a crucial part in their rejuvenation under Alan Pardew and their promotion back to the First Division in 2001–02.
[2][3] Despite being a firm favourite at the Madejski Stadium he chose to move to Championship rivals Coventry City on a free transfer in Autumn 2004, having been refused the contract he wanted with Reading.
Signed by Peter Reid to replace Calum Davenport and Muhamed Konjić, Williams went on to make 23 appearances in League and Cup, scoring goals in a 2–1 win at Millmoor against Rotherham United, and a 2–1 home defeat by Queens Park Rangers.
[9] He was an unused substitute for several matches including an away defeat to Italy in the San Siro, while he missed the play-off with Russia through injury.
On 23 March 2010, Williams accepted his first managerial post as boss of Southern League Premier strugglers Bedford Town.