When experienced centre-back Ashley Williams arrived in Bristol during August and penned a short-term contract with Bristol City, fans were ecstatic at having brought the 35-year-old to Ashton Gate.

Williams has captained Swansea City in the Premier League, Wales in the European Championships during 2016 and even led the Everton team out on occasions while at Goodison Park.

Lee Johnson would have been delighted to snap up the free agent in the summer and add him to the squad not long after the season had begun, with Williams quickly settling in to life at Ashton Gate.

He has proven to be a leader both on and off the pitch despite never wearing the captain's armband, with his leadership and ability to defend first and foremost preventing Bristol City's defence to be carved apart more often than not.

The centre-back has recently formed a trio with Nathan Baker and Bailey Wright at the heart of defence, with young defender Taylor Moore having to drop out of the squad because of injury.

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One important impact that Williams has had on the Bristol City squad is the partnership that he had with Moore when they have played together this season.

The former Southend United loanee's performances have improved ever since Johnson ignited the partnership between Moore and Williams, with the experienced center-back helping the latter through the games and always giving him pointers as to where he needs to be positionally.

The 35-year-old defender has been one of the more consistent members of the Bristol City side this season, and he has led by example on the pitch as he has always been instructing the players around him what to do and where to be.

Having a natural leader in the backline has done City a lot of good this season, despite their recent dip in form and performance levels perhaps showing different.

He has been a physical and mental presence on the opposition attackers as not many strikers have managed to go directly toe-to-toe with the veteran and come out best.

Inside the dressing room, he has been inspirational and adapted well to his new team-mates, with Johnson noticing the impact he has had within the club both on and off the pitch by handing him a new contract until the end of the season.

Williams has had a lot to give for Bristol City this season, and he has had a major impact this season as he still has a lot more to give with the club chasing the play-off places.