‘I’m still playing for him’ – Premier League star reveals he owes career to grandad as he targets Champions League spot
NECO WILLIAMS has a special ring sitting next to his Premier League winner’s medal at home.
The engraved jewellery serves as a poignant reminder to his grandad, Kelvin Jones, who died a day before Wales’ World Cup opener versus the USA in November 2022.
The commemorative ring has Kelvin’s name with the years 1948 and 2022 engraved on it while the 23-year-old also has a tattoo with the word “blessed” to honour his loved one.
Williams is preparing for Wales’ latest bid to qualify for a World Cup which starts with tomorrow’s opening match against Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
But the Nottingham Forest ace says he continues to play in Kelvin’s memory.
Williams, who won the Prem with Liverpool in 2020 before moving to Forest two years later, said: “I had a ring made with his name on it. It is sat in the house now next to the medals I have won over my career.
“It’s always a little reminder to myself when I go home to see the achievements that I have done in my career with my medals and trophies.
“The ring is there as well because he helped me get those things. He played a big part in my football career.
“He wasn’t just my grandad, he played a huge part. He used to take turns with my mum and dad to take me to training four times a week.
“It wasn’t just down the road either – it was to Liverpool so it was an hour there and another back. He was really close to me and gave me lots of advice.
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“They all made the sacrifices and I wouldn’t be sitting here without them. I’m really grateful for what they have all done for me.
“I’m still playing for him. He was where I got my football ability from.
“Hearing from my mum and dad’s mates, none of them were any good at football.
“But they always used to say my grandad was good. He was definitely the footballer in the family.”
Williams admits his heartfelt personal story is also a reminder that when you pull an international shirt on, you are playing not just for yourself but friends and family.
When that point was put to the 44-cap defender, he replied: “100 per cent. I’m not just playing for my grandad but it’s for my family as well.
“They have made so many sacrifices to achieve my dream. Essentially, everything I do is for them.
“As a young lad, I moved away, went into digs and had limited time seeing my friends back at home. But it goes unnoticed how much the players’ families have had to sacrifice too.”
Wales exited Qatar at the group stage with just one goal and a point thanks to Gareth Bale’s penalty against the USA.
But the Dragons, humbled by Iran and thrashed 3-0 to arch rivals England, felt they did not do themselves justice on the world stage after a 58-year wait.
Williams has had an excellent season at third placed Forest.
But he believes Craig Bellamy’s side can not only qualify for USA, Canada and Mexico but also make an impact at the finals next summer.
He said: “It definitely still feels like a tournament where we could have done better. That feeling is not good enough.
“We have gained experience from players who were there and we know how tough the tournament is.
“We know how tough international teams can be, but from then to now it’s been a case of learning and gaining from that experience.
“Hopefully, we can use it to qualify for this World Cup and what happened in Qatar can be useful.
“Next time we qualify it won’t be just about being there. Last time – we were just there, but this time we really want to make an impact.
“We want to showcase what we can do to the rest of the world.”