Birmingham City strike agreement with National League club for defender

Birmingham right-back Josh Williams has joined Vanarama National League outfit Gateshead on a temporary loan deal until the end of January 2025, subject to league and FA clearance.

Blues have confirmed the agreement is in place for the 21-year-old to make the move to Gateshead mid-season in an attempt to gain regular first-team minutes.

Williams has made just one appearance under Chris Davies - seven minutes off the bench in the EFL Trophy - but he’s been training with the senior squad for much of this season so far.

The Englishman’s most game time for Blues in a single campaign came in 2022/23 as he made seven Championship appearances and played once in the Carabao Cup, accumulating 626 minutes.

Last season, Williams went out on loan at League One club Cheltenham Town but only featured nine times. It’s hoped this loan spell at Gateshead will be more successful in aiding his progression.