The U’s have snapped up the 20-year-old forward on a long-term contract, after he was released by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer following 14 years in their academy.
Williams was a regular for Spurs in Premier League 2 last season and also featured in every game for their under-21s, in their Vertu Trophy campaign.
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The young forward is yet to taste experience of EFL football but Sheringham thinks moving to Colchester will enhance Williams’ game – and the former U’s striker says his old club can be a perfect location for him, as he looks to progress with his career.
Speaking to Racing Tipster, former U’s striker Sheringham, who played 20 times for Colchester in the 2007-08 season, said: “Well, he’s 20 years old. And unless you’re truly exceptional, you can’t be expected to jump into the first team and replace Dom Solanke.
“Playing some first-team football in the lower divisions, it’s what a lot of players do. It’s what I had to do.
“I wasn’t in the first team when I was 18 years old, so I was sent out on loan.
“There, you get to learn your game better than being a sub or a relief player when the first team needs a rest.
“Rather than playing reserve football and learning football where you’re learning a little bit here and there along the way, you’re playing for other people’s livelihoods as well as your own development.
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“That can only enhance your game. It toughens you up and makes you a true professional.
“And Colchester is a lovely football club with a lovely stadium to go and play in. It’s not far from North London, either.
“I wish him well. I think this could be good for him.”