Josh Williams is confident he can make the step up to playing National League South football after leaving Whitstable.
Winger Williams has agreed to join Hampton & Richmond Borough this summer after a fine season with the Oystermen, in which he claimed an eye-catching 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
It’s a huge three-division jump for the 25-year-old - but it’s one he feels optimistic he can take on.
“One thing about me is I don’t really tend to look at levels,” said Williams. “I kind of think I can adapt to whatever scenario or situation I’m in.
“I really think this is an opportunity for me to kick on and deliver the numbers again from this season.
“I feel like I brought excitement for the fans and I get an opportunity to do that again. I think it’s actually overdue that I’m playing at this level.
“With the right support on and off the pitch - and the correct environment - I think I can really thrive.”
On how the move materialised, Williams explained he initially spoke to new Hampton coach Donovan Chislett and agreed to link up with Alan Julian’s new-look squad from there.
Williams, who has previously been at Chatham and Sevenoaks, said: “I spoke to Donovan Chislett, who has been following me for a while.
“We had a conversation and it just spiralled from there.
“I had a conversation with Jules (Julian) and he wanted to get things moving.”
Williams’ new boss - a former Gillingham and Dartford keeper in his playing days - only recently took charge at the Beveree Stadium in his first managerial post after retiring.
“Jules is a very good, honest guy,” Williams noted. “Obviously, he has played at this level - and above.
“When we had our conversation, it was really good. We had very similar mindsets.
“Jules really seems like a good guy and a lot of people I’ve spoken to about Jules say he is one of the most honest guys in non-league football.
“When we had our conversation, I said ‘As long as I get in one-versus-one situations with my full-back, I will get goals and assists’.
"It should be good.”
While Williams admitted Southern Counties East Premier Division Whitstable will always hold fond memories for him, the chance to play higher-division football - with fellow National League South side Hemel Hempstead also showing an interest in him - proved too good an opportunity to turn down.
He said: “Whitstable will always be in my heart.
“It’s a fantastic club and a fantastic community - with excellent people and the fans are unbelievable. But, obviously as a player, you’re going to look to progress.
“I was getting interest from Step 3 and Step 2. There was interest from Hemel Hempstead, as well, but Hampton seems a better opportunity for me to be on the pitch.”
Williams, who will also be training closer to home with the London club, is yet to set his personal targets for the upcoming campaign but would be delighted if he can replicate the numbers he achieved for Whitstable in 2023/24.
He added: "If I can get 15 or 20 goals for the season, I will be over the moon with that."
