Vital QPR has singled out Jamaican international Lee Williamson as the One to Watch ahead of tomorrow`s clash.
The Derby born midfielder started his career at Mansfield Town making his debut in September 1999 in the 4-0 win over Shrewsbury Town – replacing forward Michael Boulding.
He scored his first goal for the Stags a couple of years later in November 2001, it was the opening goal as they edged out Leyton Orient in a 3-2 win.
Williamson bagged a brace later on that season as Mansfield beat Lincoln City 4-1 at Sincil Bank as he proved one of the emerging talents in the Stags promotion push. His dynamic displays in the centre of the park helped Mansfield to promotion from Division Three in third place.
The following season however Mansfield were taught a lesson in the Second Division as they finished second bottom. Williamson played in Rangers 4-0 mauling of the Stags at Field Mill, and also in a creditable 2-2 draw at Loftus Road – he was booked in both fixtures.
The combative central midfielder starred once again in Division Three as Mansfield narrowly missed out on promotion once again, as Liam Lawrence`s missed penalty sent them crashing out at the final hurdle against Huddersfield Town.
After 158 appearances and three goals, Williamson switched allegiances and moved to Northampton Town, making his debut in a 0-0 stalemate against Notts County. He quickly established himself in the first team set-up and goals against Torquay and Southampton helped a growing reputation. He also played a role in Northampton Town`s playoff defeat against eventual winners Southend United.
40 appearances for the Cobblers earned him a couple of goals before moving on to Rotherham United, where he lived up to his tough tackling reputation, picking up 13 bookings and a red in the 2005/06 season.
His reputation in the game continued to grow as Aidy Boothroyd`s Watford, who by this time were in the Premier League, came in for the 5″10 midfielder who went straight into the squad to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. It proved to be a baptism of fire for Williamson as the Hornets were defeated 4-0. He only played a limited role in the first team set-up as Watford slumped to relegation.
Williamson had an excellent season for Watford in the Championship last time out, scoring goals against Plymouth and Sheffield United, helping to guide the Hornets to a playoff place, losing out to eventual winners Hull City. He played against the R`s twice – firstly in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road then hitting the post in Rangers 4-2 thumping of the Hornets at Vicarage Road.
So far this season the Jamaican international has gone from strength to strength scoring in two games against Swansea, and an excellently placed shot against QPR last time out at Vicarage Road in late November.
He has proven to be the driving force in a makeshift Watford season, but nevertheless continues to prove his immense quality in the middle of the park. He will certainly be a player Rangers will have to evade as they strive for three more points in W12.
We want to know YOUR thoughts!
To have your say you can comment in the space provided below, or chat about it on the forum.
TOP STORIES
One Day In History – Watford 1971-72.
Penton Ref`s Watford Game.
Charlton Athletic 2-2 QPR – Match Report.
