RYAN Williams is not making the mistake he made during his previous spell with Oxford United by predicting a play-off place.

The Australian winger spent the 2013/14 season on loan with the U’s from then-Premier League side Fulham.

At the end of February during that season, Williams said United would get at least a play-off place in Sky Bet League Two come the end of the campaign.

At the time, caretaker boss Mickey Lewis’ side had a ten-point cushion over Plymouth Argyle, the side just outside the play-off positions.

Williams said in an interview: “We’re in a win-win situation I guess, because if we don’t get automatic promotion I don’t think we can slip up that much to not get in the play-offs.”

From the 13 matches after Williams’ comments, United lost 10, winning two and drawing the other.

The slump in form saw the U’s eventually finish eighth, nine points behind York City in the final play-off place.

With just the final game of the season against Northampton Town to go, and the play-offs an impossibility, Williams said he had no regrets over the comments he made.

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Speaking after the 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon in midweek, Williams bit his tongue when asked about United’s current position in the play-offs.

He said: “I’ve been in this position quite a few times before – last time I was here I said I’d eat my own hat so I’m not going to speak on that.

“I just think we should carry on the way we’re going, playing good football with a lot of energy, everyone trusts each other – we’ve just got to keep the momentum if we can.

“We’re ready and fingers crossed we don’t have any cases.

“We keep cracking on, trying to get more points and getting higher and higher up the table.

“Tayls [Matty Taylor] is scoring more and more, we’ve got to keep getting the ball to him in the box.”

Williams has proven his versatility this season, playing at right back, in midfield and most recently, on the left wing.

It’s the first time in the former Portsmouth man’s career that he has played with some sort of regularity on the left flank.

He said: “I just make sure when the ball’s on the other side, I’m trying to get in the box and become a second striker.

“I’ve never really played on the left too much, bits and bobs out there, but this is the first time I’ve played there for a few games.

“I’m enjoying it, I just want to play to be honest.”

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Williams also thinks United’s style could help them if postponements due to Covid see an increase in teams playing twice a week.

“The way we play, it might suit us playing two games in a week as we do tend to keep the ball more than the other team,” said Williams.

“I’ve played against Oxford and it’s hard.

“We’ve got to focus on what we can control, keeping everyone confident and ticking along.”

The crowd will also play its part, says Williams, continuing against Cheltenham Town tomorrow.

“The last two games, I’ve seen a real increase in fans and the noise as well. It’s been really enjoyable,” said Williams.