Williams: I want to use my Champions League experience

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New goalkeeper has joined on an 18-month contract.

Heather Miller

2023-01-19T16:30:00Z

Lydia Williams has joined Albion on an 18-month contract.

Jens Scheuer’s newest signing Lydia Williams wants to use her experience to help take Albion to another level.

The 34-year-old has over 100 caps for Australia as well as counting Melbourne City, Arsenal and PSG as some of her former clubs.

Now she will challenge for a starting spot with Megan Walsh and Katie Startup.

“It’s exciting to be back in the league and in Brighton,” Williams said. “I’m really looking forward to the next chapter and contributing to the team.

“I was looking ahead to the future and wanted to be back at a club where I had the opportunity to play. Being in England was an amazing experience the first time [with Arsenal] – I was stoked to have the opportunity to be back again.

The goalkeeper has made over 100 appearances for Australia.

“I really enjoy how much this league has grown, the support it’s received from clubs, media and staff is exciting to see. This league has shone and to be back in the league is exciting for me.

“It’s going to be tough, but that’s why you play football – you don’t want an easy ride. I think that’s important; I’m really excited for that challenge because it’s almost an underdog mentality.

“I think you have to hit the ground running pretty quickly and learn how to fit in to understand how the coach wants you to perform. It’s a quick turnaround where you have to be mentally sharp but it’s quite exciting to see how quickly that can be developed throughout the club.

“I want to contribute in any way as possible and start from scratch a little bit with new defenders and other players in the team. It’s how quickly you can mesh and communicate with each other both on and off the pitch.”

Lydia’s time with the Gunners and in Paris has seen her be a part of teams that have competed in the Champions League.

The goalkeeper will compete for a starting spot with Megan Walsh and Katie Startup.

“It’s a different mentality when it comes to Champions League games because there only really is one chance most of the time, to have that mentality every week is something I’m excited to bring here.”

Williams feels she can settle quickly and appreciates the club’s efforts to provide the best possible facilities for the women's and girls’ teams.

“It’s quite incredible to see what is available just for the women’s side, Brighton have definitely put support in that direction – it makes you feel very welcomed.

“The club sees themselves as a top half team and challenging for championships in the future and I want to contribute what I can. It will be a slow burn; nothing is built in one day and there will be growing pains but I’m excited to help build the vision the club has.”