Free-kick fantastic says boss

Jan 21 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ANDY RITCHIE hailed Robbie Williams’ first goal for Town.

It came direct from a free-kick in the 76th minute of Saturday’s showdown at Brighton and earned a 1-1 draw after Tommy Elphick had headed the home side in front two minutes earlier.

A fractured shin delayed Williams’ Town debut until December after he signed from Barnsley in August.

The Brighton game was his ninth, and the manager, who moved the 23-year-old from left-back into midfield in a 4-4-2 formation, believes there is a lot more to come yet.

“I’ve always said Robbie is good on set-pieces, and the law of averages suggested he was due a goal,” said Ritchie.

“It was a fantastic free-kick, although I was a bit worried Phil Jevons was going to take it.

“Phil can hit a ball too, but he’s right footed, and from that angle, David Beckham would have struggled to put it in.

“Robbie is still to hit 100% fitness, but he’s an asset.

“He has a great left foot and he can both score goals and pass. He’s also a great lad to have around the dressing room.”