GERAINT Williams has never let his emotions run away with him, and he was still keeping his feet firmly on the ground even after Saturday's precious victory over his former club.

Carl Marston

GERAINT Williams has never let his emotions run away with him, and he was still keeping his feet firmly on the ground even after Saturday's precious victory over his former club.

Williams masterminded a narrow win over Colchester United, just as he has masterminded the O's great escape from the clutches of relegation over the last two months.

The Welshman could afford a little smile after another ex-U's star, Scott McGleish, had poached a late winner. But he was certainly not going to gloat over the result.

“I had 10 fantastic years at Colchester, and I still get on very well with everyone at the club,” insisted Williams.

“I spoke to Robbie Cowling (U's chairman and owner) after the match, and shook his hand. Colchester are a fine club, and this win was certainly not any sweeter than any other victory.

“Both keepers made some exceptional saves, and both sides also hit the bar with great efforts from distance, so it was very close.

“We've now got 52 points, but I'm not interested in survival. I'm interested in winning football matches.

“There are contracts to be earned at the end of the season, and when the time is right, I will also be sitting down with the chairman (Barry Hearn),” added Williams, whose short-term contract as O's boss expires this summer.

Although McGleish was not credited with the winning goal - the Tannoy announcer gave it to Jimmy Smith - it looked as though the ex-Colchester striker diverted the ball home before it crossed the line.

“Scotty (McGleish) is claiming the goal, and I must say that I thought he stuck it in,” continued Williams, who was an assistant manager and also a caretaker manager (for a month in February, 2003) during McGleish's third and longest spell at Layer Road.

“I think the goal should be given to Scotty. I think he touched the ball before it went over the line, and if I was a striker, then I would be claiming it as well!

“But if this had been a boxing match, then I would have pulled Scotty out early on, because he took two hefty whacks from the keeper (Dean Gerken).

“However, we didn't have a towel to throw in, so he kept going!” joked Williams.