LUKE Williams says his stint as Swindon Town head coach was a “wonderful experience” despite some “dark moments” after taking his first job since being relieved of his duties at the club last month.

Williams spent 18 months at the helm at the County Ground but left his post in the wake of Town’s relegation from League One at the end of last season.

The 36-year-old has now returned to the game to join the staff at Swindon’s West Country rivals Bristol City, taking over as the Championship side’s U23s manager.

Speaking to City’s official website, Williams spoke about his tenure at Town and stated he believed it has equipped him to succeed in his new role.

“It was a wonderful experience. It was very tough, there were some great moments but also some real dark moments,” said Williams.

“I think it has given me some more tools to hopefully be able to help the cause here at Bristol City and use my experience to benefit people.

“I worked with a very, very young group, which I enjoyed thoroughly and I hope it gives me a chance to help a group of players that are potentially going to be in that situation themselves by maybe going on loan to a League One side.

“I am sure I can help them with the experience I have gained.”

Williams revealed he has turned down other offers to join manager Lee Johnson’s backroom team and said his decision was swayed by the vision being built at Ashton Gate.

“It’s a great chance for me to work at a big football club that is going forward season after season,” said Williams.

“I have seen that myself, having worked in League One and played against Bristol City and seen the progress that the club has made. It was a very easy decision for me.

“For me, the most important thing was to go to the right club with the right people and that has absolutely been the top priority.

“The manager took time to meet me and speak for a long time with me about his plans. I met with Mark Ashton (City chief executive), which was a huge complement to someone in an U23s position for such senior staff to take such an interest. After that it was very, very simple.

“This is a club that is doing things thoroughly, that is ambitious and that wants to go the right way and I would like very much to be a part of that.

“There were opportunities but for me, that was the decision making process – to be at the right club with the right people.”