Bristol City recently extended the contract of centre-back Ashley Williams until the end of the 2019-2020 Championship season after an impressive individual start to life at Ashton Gate.

Having originally signed in August until January on a short-term deal, the 35-year-old defender has proven to be a rock at the back for Lee Johnson's side so far this campaign in his nine league appearances.

Released by Everton in the summer after a season on loan with fellow Championship side Stoke City, Williams returned back to the south to link up with Johnson's men and provide a much-needed steel to the Robins back-line.

Former centre-back Adam Webster departed the club on the eve of the new league season for Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion, City then having to rely on young defender Taylor Moore to come in and fill his spot, the Robins' cause not being helped by Tomas Kalas, Nathan Baker and Bailey Wright all picking up knocks or injuries inside the first three months.

Williams stepping in to fill the void temporarily helped to provide Moore with some much-needed experience alongside him and the former Southend United loanee settled down with the veteran Williams playing alongside him.

During his first nine appearances of the season, the former Swansea City skipper has shown off his leadership skills, his voice being heard all around at Ashton Gate as he attacks every ball with his head and throws himself in front of everything that's within his reach to prevent the opposition from netting a goal past first-choice keeper Dan Bentley.

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It is no secret that Bristol City are dreaming of the Premier League and with Lee Johnson looking like the man who will be the one to take them up to the promised land, Williams' experience at gaining promotion from the Championship providing the Robins with a backbone that they've needed now for a while to go that next step further.

Every team that fights for promotion at any level needs that experienced player who knows just how to get that promotion and be fighting at the right end of the table, and Williams being secured onto a contract until the end of the campaign shows that the centre-back is serious about helping the club achieve their goals.

Whether Williams departs Ashton Gate at the end of the season or decides to stay for an extra season, the ageing Welsh international will bring that nous to the team and he still can have a massive impact on the Robins' campaign.