Following a trial period, the left-back joined up with Richardson’s Royals on a short-term contract until January 2026.
During the Royals’ 1-0 league win against Stevenage at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Thursday evening (November 6) Williams came on for Daniel Kyerewaa in the 79th minute and made his presence known.
During his first minutes on the pitch Williams took up the left-wing position and glimpses of what he could bring to the Reading squad shone through.
His pace was clearly visible as the 28-year-old made runs and found space in-between Stevenage’s lines. In defensive phases, which was Reading was forced to in the majority of the second half, Williams tucked into the midfield to cover space centrally.
Williams managed one clearance and won three ground duels as Reading fought-off Stevenage to protect their 1-0 lead.
Randell Williams making his debut for Reading FC during Reading FC v Stevenage. EFL Sky Bet League One 25/26. (Image: ©Jason Dawson)
After the game, speaking to RoyalsTV, Williams reflected on his debut for the club saying that he “couldn’t wait to get started” and that he’s “happy to be here”.
He added: “I know the boys well. I know the coach well. He hasn’t been here for long and I haven’t been here for long either.
“He has his ideas and we, as players, just have to get involved in what he wants to do.
“Sometimes it takes time, but as you saw today [November 6], I thought the guys were fantastic.”
Randell Williams has taken up the number 21, a number previously worn by academy wonderkid Michael Olise, centre-forward Paul Brayson and more recently goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis.
When asked what the Royals can expect from Williams, he said: “It’s my job to be both a leader and a performer in the club. I will bring all my qualities and leadership qualities as best I can.”
He added that the fans can expect speed, a bit of flair and “hopefully a few goals and assists.”
Randell Williams celebrating Reading’s 1-0 win after Reading FC v Stevenage. EFL Sky Bet League One 25/26. (Image: ©Jason Dawson)
When asked about what his goals are for his time at Reading, Williams said: “For me personally, the goal is to keep building up.
“It’s a competitive squad. Everyone has to fight for their place, but we have to win games first and foremost. And today [November 6] we got the three points.
“And that’s all that counts.”
The 28-year-old wide man can play on the wing or at full-back and has plenty of experience in League One, most recently with Leyton Orient.
He added: “Another goal is to get promoted.
“There’s no reason why we can’t make it.
“31 games and 93 points to play for, I’ve played in and around the playoffs for the majority of my career. I know personally what it takes and the dressing room has more than enough to get there.”
Williams has played more than 80 games in League One across Bolton Wanderers and Leyton Orient – He scored 8 goals and assisted 9 during his campaigns.
In his most recent club, Leyton Orient, he reached the League One play-off final only to be defeated by Nathan Jones’ Charlton 1-0 at Wembley.