Royle approval for Williams

West Ham midfielder Gavin Williams has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with Coca-Cola Championship Ipswich.

The Wales international had been on loan at Portman Road but has now committed his future to the club by penning a deal until summer 2009.

Signed by the Hammers from Yeovil in 2004, the 25-year-old made seven starts for the London club before moving on loan to the Tractor Boys.

He has impressed manager Joe Royle during his nine starts so far and Williams admits he is delighted to have signed for the club.

"Ipswich are heading in the right direction and if the gaffer can bring in a couple of new players to strengthen the squad, I don't see why we can't start moving quickly up the league," he told www.itfc.co.uk.