The vultures were beginning to circle but Boro weren’t interested in cashing in, Rolls Rhys was going nowhere.
And the gifted Australian showed his commitment to the cause on this day in 2012 by signing a new long term deal with the club.
After recovering from a serious long term pelvic injury, Williams had established himself as a pivotal player in Tony Mowbray’s Boro side.
And although Bolton boss Owen Coyle was a known admirer of the defender turned midfielder, with Newcastle also reportedly showing an interest, Boro didn’t even consider allowing the latest Academy product to move on.
Coyle had managed Williams briefly during a loan stint at Burnley earlier in his career and was desperate to secure the services of the composed ball-player once again.
Reports of a £6m bid from Wanderers were wide of the mark but chairman Phil Gartside was believed to have approached the club and made a tentative enquiry.
It came to nothing and Boro wasted no time in tying Williams down on a new four-year deal that would keep him at the club until at least 2016.
CameraSport 
Rhys Williams
Mogga was never concerned that Boro would allow one of his most important players to move on and understandably delighted to bring the speculation to an end with the new deal.
“It never really got off the ground and I don’t think my chairman had any intention of selling,” he told the Gazette.
“Rhys is a key component of what we’re trying to do here.”
Williams suited the style of play Mowbray was trying to implement. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, the rangy midfielder wasn’t afraid to try and pick out a pass.
But he was equally at home at the heart of the defence, a utility man the manager was understandably delighted to have at his disposal.
Injuries have cruelly prevented Williams from developing in the game as his talent should have allowed.
Hopefully the classy Aussie will make a full recovery from his latest devastating setback and get back to his best for Boro in the future.
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