GAVIN Williams could not have made his point more clearly.To put an end to fears that the 26-year-old midfielder wants to leave Ipswich Town during the transfer window, he said: “It would be a disaster to me if I was to go."

By Elvin King

GAVIN Williams could not have made his point more clearly.

To put an end to fears that the 26-year-old midfielder wants to leave Ipswich Town during the transfer window, he said:

“It would be a disaster to me if I was to go.”

Williams was speaking after making a full contribution to Town's eventful and controversial 3-2 Championship victory over neighbours Colchester United at Portman Road on Saturday.

“The issue has been playing on my mind and affecting my form,” added Williams, who was disciplined and fined for being one of the seven players who went on an unauthorised New Year visit to Amsterdam.

“I now want to forget all about it - and concentrate on the big games that await Ipswich Town.”

Williams obviously feels that his place in the Ipswich squad is not secure despite manager Jim Magilton's recent confirmation that the Welsh international is going nowhere.

Soon after the Dutch trip was discovered Magilton was reported as saying that he would listen to offers for Williams and striker Alan Lee.

And Williams admits that it was wrong to embark on the two-day jaunt even though it was during time off.

“The manager told us to use the time off to put our feet up and rest, so maybe going abroad wasn't the brightest thing.

“I think the manager rates me as a player. It's just off-the-field things he is not happy about.”

Williams says that he has been offered around the clubs and that Swansea have shown an interest.

Contracted to Town until 2009,

having signed from West Ham for £300,000 a year ago after a two-month loan, Williams is recognised as one of the best midfield players in the Championship.

He suffered his eighth booking of the season when he disputed a late penalty that saw David Wright sent off for handball.

“In my opinion the referee was trying to even things up after earlier decisions,” said Williams.

Hoping to put an end to stories of Williams' impending departure, Magilton said: “He is not going anywhere. Every transfer window throws up speculation over player movements. Gavin is one of our best players and is bound to attract such interest.

“But I have not brought in players of the quality and the promise of Alex Bruce, Dan Harding, Gary Roberts, George O'Callaghan and David Wright to let Gavin go.”

The manager did add, however: “In today's football market every player has his price. But it would take an awful lot of money to prise Gavin Williams away from this club.”

What do you think of the Gavin Williams situation? Write to Sports Desk, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail: star sport@eveningstar.co.uk