Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Hoddle tipping Williamson to shine
Cherries new boy Ben Williamson has been given a glowing reference by former England and Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle.[LNB] Williamson last week signed non-contract terms with Cherries after progressing through Hoddle's much-vaunted academy in southern Spain.[LNB] The 20-year-old striker made a late appearance from the bench during Cherries' 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient on Saturday with Hoddle among the crowd at Dean Court.[LNB] Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Hoddle said: "I sent my chief scout to watch a midfielder at Worthing and Ben caught his eye while he was there. He said he was talented and his words to me were he's got something.[LNB] We watched him in another three or four games and then got him down to our trials. Immediately, all the coaches Graham Rix, Dave Beasant, Nigel Spackman and myself said we could see something in Ben.[LNB] He was playing at Worthing and the pro game had missed him out. It just shows what can happen. Ben signed with us in Spain and had been with us for about five months. He's got good movement and pace and is really good at taking on knowledge.[LNB] Our players play for Jerez Industrial in Spain and Ben scored 11 times in 14 games. The league is equivalent to the bottom half of League Two and the top half of the Conference in England so it is competitive.[LNB] Williamson impressed Cherries during a trial game for Charlton against a strong Tottenham team at the end of last month. The Spurs defence included Jonathan Woodgate, Vedran Corluka and Younes Kaboul.[LNB] Hoddle added: "Ben went to Charlton on trial and they liked him as well. He nearly signed there but Chris Powell went for experience in Bradley Wright-Phillips. Bournemouth liked him and this is a good opportunity for him.[LNB] It is a smashing club at the moment. It has had its problems but it is credit to everyone at the club to have got it to where it is now. It is in a very good position, both on and off the pitch, so there is a bright future. Hopefully, Ben can be a part of that.[LNB] Williamson was one of three products of Hoddle's academy to join English clubs in the past fortnight, with Ryan Burge moving to Doncaster and Dan Spence linking up with Mansfield. The organisation offers a second chance to players who have been released by English professional clubs and also recruits from non-league.[LNB] Cherries supporters will have an opportunity to get a longer look at Williamson when he lines up in today's Football Combination clash against Forest Green Rovers at Dean Court (2pm).[LNB] Fellow new signing Mathieu Baudry will also feature, as could trialist striker Liam Molesworth. Entry is free.[LNB] Cherries: (from) Stewart, Purches, Baudry, Nelson, Hester, Arter, Molesley, Stockley, Williamson, Parsons, Vokes, Bell, Strong, Zocchi, Makoni, Molesworth.[LNB]
