BRANDON Ormonde-Ottewill’s first senior goal will only serve to speed up the young full-back’s development, says Swindon Town manager Luke Williams.
Ormonde-Ottewill flitted in and out of the team in the early stages of his Town career, joining the club last summer after being let go by Premier League giants Arsenal.
However, he has started Swindon’s previous four matches in League One, with the last three games coinciding with the opening chapter of Williams’ tenure as boss.
The 20-year-old scored for the first time in his senior career to earn Town a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United on Saturday, with that coming off the back of a man-of-the-match performance in the thrilling 4-3 home win over Crewe Alexandra seven days earlier.
Having watched Ormonde-Ottewill closely on the training ground in his previous role as first-team coach, Williams is sure the future is bright for the full-back.
“I think it will help his confidence no end because it has been coming,” Williams told the local media.
“He has started to experiment more with running at people and getting inside the box and started to get a few shots on goal.
“I felt like it was coming and I think now he will believe in himself more and more.
“He is so positive and confident and he has got the ability to manipulate the ball very quickly in a very tight area. It’s a good combination.”
Town dictated possession against the Blades and although they lacked a genuine cutting edge in the final third for most of the game, they had chances to snatch all three points before the final whistle.
Williams thinks the style of performance, which came after Town had netted eight goals in two games at the County Ground, reflected his attacking mantra as a coach.
“I think what we saw on the pitch was, fair to say, a drive and determination and an attacking stance,” added Williams.
“Obviously, we’re always going to have a young squad that is potentially going to make mistakes but overall, I’d like to say it represents my style.
“I certainly enjoyed the performance. It is always tense, especially when you are 1-0 down for a long period of the game but I enjoyed the performance and seeing the players give everything is pleasing.”
Meanwhile, Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale says that offers made for Tom Nichols are nowhere near the Grecians’ own valuation.
Town are reportedly one of the sides to have bid for the 12-goal striker, who scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup earlier this month and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon: “We’ve had some offers in but nothing which is close to how we would value him.
"We’ve had interest that’s then turned into strong conversations about money, but until there’s a strong offer, he’ll remain with Exeter.”
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