Crystal Palace signs Randall Williams from 9th-tier Tower Hamlets

Crystal Palace has snapped up teenage winger Randall Williams on a contract which runs until the end of the season, with an option to extend the deal after that period.

The success of Jamie Vardy and other players from the depths of the English football pyramid appears to have paved the way for other part-timers to test themselves at the highest level, and Williams' transfer from ninth-tier Tower Hamlets comes after he impressed in a closed-doors friendly against Crawley Town.

"I like to drive at players, and I'm a quick dribbler. There's areas that I need to work on but that's why I'm here," Williams explained to the club website.

"I just want to better myself and to go up nine leagues is a big step, so hopefully the team and everyone around the club can help me improve."