The club can confirm the signing of Jay WilIiams from AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Jay is a 21- year-old centre back or defensive midfielder who started out with the Coventry City academy at the age of 9 before moving onto the Northampton Town academy four years later, progressing with the Cobblers to complete his scholarship and earn a professional contract in January 2019.
By the time of his signing of a professional contract, Jay had already made his Football League debut for Northampton when coming on as a substitute in their 5-0 win at Macclesfield Town in October 2018. That season would see Jay go on to make a total of 10 Football League appearances.
The following season, 2019/20, would see Jay overlooked by the new management team at Northampton and after two loan spells with Kettering Town he was released at the end of the season without adding to the League appearances he had made the previous season.
After playing for a short spell with Kettering Town last season, Jay joined League 2 side Harrogate Town in January and went on to make 7 Football League appearances for them through to the end of the season, scoring their goal in a 2-1 defeat at Forest Green Rovers in March.
Jay joined our league rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds in August, making 8 Southern League appearances for them.
Commenting on the news Andy Whing said “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to bring Jay in. As soon as Jack Westbrook left, Jay was our No 1 target. He’s a very good intelligent footballer who can play in a couple of positions and fits the profile of a player we want at this football club. Jay has experience in the league as well our level and we believe he’s a perfect fit for us.”

Jay is looking forward to joining “I’m happy to get the deal done. Seeing the style of football that’s encouraged here and the direction that the club is moving in it was an easy decision for me. I want to help this club in getting promoted and the work starts now”

Jay goes into the squad for tonight’s game against Leiston