Palace striker signed by Bournemouth

Last updated : 20 February 2004 By Nik Taylor

Gareth Williams has been signed up by Bournemouth on a month’s loan.

The striker’s first team opportunities have been severely restricted by the free-scoring form of current forward pairing Neil Shipperley and Andy Johnson. And with Dougie Freedman sitting on the bench as cover, Iain Dowie clearly feels Williams needs to gain his match experience elsewhere.

The 21-year-old has already had two loan spells in the last couple of seasons, most recently in Division Three with Cambridge United. While with the Us in November last year, Williams made four appearances and notched one goal.

His other temporary move to Colchester in 2002/03 saw the player in far more prolific form, as he scored six goals in as many games.

Williams will be hoping to make a big impact while at Dean Court, with Bournemouth just four points off the play-offs going into tomorrow’s games. And should he go straight into the team for their match tomorrow, Williams will have the perfect chance to endear himself to Cherries and Eagles fans alike. Tomorrow Bournemouth play Brighton.