Ryan Williams (footballer, born 1991)
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Ryan Anthony Williams[1] | ||
Date of birth | 8 April 1991 | ||
Place of birth | Birkenhead, England | ||
Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Detroit City | ||
Number | 4 | ||
Youth career | |||
2002–2004 | Tranmere Rovers | ||
2005–2008 | Chester City | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2008–2009 | Chester City | 0 | (0) |
2009–2011 | Colwyn Bay | 10 | (1) |
2010–2011 | → Llandudno (loan) | 16 | (7) |
2011–2012 | Rhyl | 35 | (16) |
2013–2015 | Morecambe | 53 | (5) |
2015–2016 | Brentford | 0 | (0) |
2016 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 8 | (0) |
2016–2017 | Ottawa Fury | 34 | (7) |
2018 | Paysandu | 1 | (0) |
2018–2019 | Tranmere Rovers | 0 | (0) |
2019 | Hartford Athletic | 26 | (4) |
2020 | AFC Eskilstuna | 13 | (1) |
2022–2023 | AFC Eskilstuna | 37 | (0) |
2024– | Detroit City | 9 | (0) |
International career | |||
2010 | England Futsal | 1 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14 July 2024 |
Ryan Anthony Williams (born 8 April 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Detroit City. After beginning his career at Chester City, Williams came to prominence with Morecambe and built a reputation as a free kick specialist.[3] He later played in Scotland, Canada, Brazil,[4] the United States and won an international futsal cap for England.
Career
[edit]Chester City
[edit]Born in Birkenhead, Williams came through the youth ranks at League Two club Chester City and a transfer embargo saw him and other youngsters promoted to the club's first team during the 2008–09 season at age 17.[5] He was an unused substitute in seven matches between September and December 2008 and made his senior debut for the club in a 7–0 Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final defeat to Crewe Alexandra on 20 January 2009,[6][7][8] but he tore ankle ligaments on the stroke of half time and failed to recover before the Seals' relegation at the end of the season.[9]
Non-league football
[edit]Williams signed for Northern Premier League First Division North club Colwyn Bay in late 2009.[10] He helped the team achieve promotion to the Premier Division and moved to sign for Cymru Alliance club Llandudno on loan during the 2010–11 season,[11][12] where his performances won him the club's Player of the Year award and a place in the league's Team of the Year.[10] Williams transferred to fellow Cymru Alliance club Rhyl in July 2011 and was again voted into the Cymru Alliance Team of the Year at the end of the 2011–12 season.[10] He departed Rhyl midway through the 2012–13 season.[13]
Morecambe
[edit]Williams began training with League Two club Morecambe in July 2012, but was not offered a contract due to financial constraints.[14] After the departure of Joe Mwasile on loan, funds were made available for Williams to be offered a short-term contract with the Shrimps in October 2012.[citation needed] International clearance problems held up the signing and he finally joined the club on 10 January 2013.[15] Williams made his Football League debut in a match versus Plymouth Argyle five days later,[16] coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Gary McDonald.[17] He crowned his day with a long-range goal in the 80th minute, though the Shrimps would lose 2–1.[18] He scored his second goal in three games versus Dagenham & Redbridge two weeks later, this time scoring a late winner in a 2–1 victory.[17] A first start versus York City on 2 February and Man of the Match performances later in the month versus Exeter City and Aldershot Town saw Williams sign a new contract running until the end of the 2013–14 season.[19] Williams made 16 appearances and scored two goals during the second half of the 2012–13 season.[17]
Williams was a regular starter during the 2013–14 season and got his campaign off to a flyer, netting long range goals with a free kick in a League Cup first round victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 25-yard strike in a league draw with Torquay United.[20] His performances saw him sign a new one-year contract extension in February 2014.[21] Williams made 29 appearances and scored four goals during his first full season of league football and won Morecambe's Goal of the Season award.[22] Williams began the 2014–15 season alternating between a starting berth and a place on the bench and missed the final two months of the season after undergoing surgery on a hernia problem.[23][24] He finished the season with 16 appearances and no goals.[25] Williams was released in May 2015 after making 61 appearances and scoring five goals during his two-and-a-half year spell at the Globe Arena.[26][27]
Brentford
[edit]On 11 June 2015, Williams signed a one-year deal with Championship club Brentford, with the option for a further year.[28] His only appearance for the Bees came with a start in a 4–0 League Cup first round defeat to Oxford United on 11 August.[29] On 1 February 2016 and having failed to win a call into the squad in over four months,[30] Williams' contract was cancelled by mutual consent.[31] Get West London later reported that Williams "was a set-piece expert, but was never going to get in the first team and (Brentford) turned him into a set-pieces coach".[32]
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
[edit]On 1 February 2016, Williams joined Scottish Premiership club Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a contract until the end of the 2015–16 season.[33] He made eight substitute appearances and was not offered a new contract at the end of the season.[34]
Ottawa Fury
[edit]On 19 July 2016, Williams moved to Canada to join North American Soccer League club Ottawa Fury FC.[35] He made 18 appearances and scored four goals during the remainder of the 2016 season and was named as the Fans' Player of the Year.[2][36] After making 20 appearances and scoring five goals during the 2017 United Soccer League season,[36] Williams departed the club.[37] He made 38 appearances and scored 9 goals during his time at the TD Place Stadium.[36]
Paysandu
[edit]On 5 February 2018, it was announced that Williams had moved to Brazil to join Campeonato Brasileiro Série B club Paysandu on a three-month contract.[38] He was unable to be registered until 23 March and made his only appearance for the club as a 75th-minute substitute for Pedro Carmona in a 1–1 draw with São Bento on 19 May.[36][39][40] In mid-June 2018, it was announced that Williams' contract had been terminated early due to personal problems.[41]
Tranmere Rovers
[edit]On 13 September 2018, Williams joined League Two club Tranmere Rovers on a short-term contract.[42] He made just two EFL Trophy appearances before departing Prenton Park on 14 January 2019.[43]
Hartford Athletic
[edit]On 21 February 2019, Williams moved to the United States to join USL Championship club Hartford Athletic.[44]
AFC Eskilstuna
[edit]On 26 August 2020, Williams joined Swedish Superettan side AFC Eskilstuna.[45] His lone goal for the club came on 16 October 2020 in a 3-2 loss against Akropolis IF.[46] In March 2022, he rejoined the club on a deal until the end of the year.[47]
Detroit City
[edit]Williams returned to the United States in March 2024, signing with USL Championship side Detroit City ahead of their 2024 season.[48]
Futsal
[edit]Williams played futsal for Tranmere Victoria and Liverpool and was named in the England squad for the 2010 FA Futsal Four Nations Tournament.[49][50] He made his debut in the final of the tournament, a 3–2 defeat to Turkey.[9]
Personal life
[edit]After dropping out of professional football in 2009, Williams studied to become a personal trainer, eventually launching Roqstar Fitness, based in New Brighton.[9]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of 17 April 2019[36]
Club | Season | League | Domestic Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Chester City | 2008–09[51] | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1[c] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
Colwyn Bay | 2009–10 | NPL Division One | 10 | 1 | – | – | 10+ | 1+ | ||||||
2010–11 | NPL Premier Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
2011–12 | Conference North | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0+ | 0+ | |||||||
Total | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10+ | 1+ | ||||||
Llandudno (loan) | 2010–11 | Cymru Alliance | 16 | 7 | – | – | – | 16+ | 7+ | |||||
Rhyl | 2011–12 | Cymru Alliance | 35 | 16 | 1+ | 2+ | – | – | – | 36+ | 18+ | |||
Morecambe | 2012–13[17] | League Two | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 16 | 2 | ||
2013–14[22] | League Two | 25 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | – | 1[d] | 0 | 29 | 4 | ||
2014–15[25] | League Two | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 2[d] | 0 | 16 | 0 | ||
Total | 53 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 4 | ||
Brentford | 2015–16[29] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||
Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 2015–16 | Scottish Premiership | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 8 | 0 | |
Ottawa Fury FC | 2016 | NASL | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 18 | 4 | |||
2017 | USL | 16 | 3 | 4 | 2 | – | – | – | 20 | 5 | ||||
Total | 34 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 9 | ||
Paysandu | 2018 | Série B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
Tranmere Rovers | 2018–19[52] | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 2[d] | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
Hartford Athletic | 2019 | USL Championship | 26 | 4 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 27 | 4 | ||
AFC Eskilstuna | 2020 | Superettan | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | ||
Career total | 196 | 41 | 8+ | 4+ | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6+ | 0+ | 214+ | 46+ |
- ^ Includes the Welsh Cup, FA Cup, and Canadian Championship
- ^ All appearances in the Football League Cup
- ^ Appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup
- ^ a b c Appearances in the EFL Trophy
Honours
[edit]- Llandudno Player of the Year (1): 2010–11[10]
- Cymru Alliance Team of the Year (2): 2010–11, 2011–12[10]
- Ottawa Fury Fans' Player of the Year (1): 2016[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Ryan Williams". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ a b c "Ryan Williams | 7". www.ottawafuryfc.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ Moore, Tom (11 June 2015). "Brentford sign free kick specialist Ryan Williams from Morecambe". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ Interview with Ryan Williams thesetpieces.com
- ^ Administrator, northwales (20 June 2008). "Chester City hit by transfer embargo". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "January 2009 News". www.chester-city.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Match Programmes 2008/09". www.chester-city.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ a b c "Total Football exclusive: Interview with Ryan Williams :: Total Football Magazine – Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, Non-League News". 13 September 2014. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Ryan Williams – Evo Football Consultancy". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ Administrator, northwales (23 September 2010). "Football: New faces at Llandudno FC". Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ Administrator, northwales (24 March 2011). "Football: Llandudno FC are ruthless against Ruthin". Retrieved 13 June 2015.
- ^ "Bentley welcomes Williams arrival". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Morecambe boss Bentley admits transfer struggles". www.lancasterguardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Williams deal completed – News – Morecambe". Retrieved 16 September 2018.
- ^ "Ryan Williams signs for Morecambe – Evo Football Consultancy". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Plymouth 2–1 Morecambe". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Williams signs Shrimps deal". www.morecambefc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Williams wants to be goal threat". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Williams & Wright sign Shrimps deals". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Bentley: Williams could end up playing abroad". www.thevisitor.co.uk. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Morecambe announce retained list: Captain Mark Hughes one of eight released". www.lancasterguardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ Ryan Williams at Soccerbase
- ^ Wickham, Chris. "Brentford sign former Morecambe and Chester City attacking midfield player Ryan Williams". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
- ^ Wickham, Chris. "Ryan Williams leaves Brentford". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
- ^ Rayner, Stuart (19 October 2017). "'Secret of Brentford's success hungry lower-league players, not moneyball'". nechronicle. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
- ^ "Signing Brace – Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC". ictfc.com. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Ryan Williams could be handed Caley Thistle lifeline by Richie Foran". www.inverness-courier.co.uk. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
- ^ "Free kick specialist Ryan Williams joins Fury FC". Ottawa Fury FC. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Ryan Williams at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
- ^ FC, Ottawa Fury (18 November 2017). "All the best in your future endeavors @RyanWilliams91!". @OttawaFuryFC. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
- ^ "Paysandu contrata meio-campista". Paysandu Sport Club (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 5 February 2018.
- ^ "Ryan Williams comemora estreia com a camisa bicolor: "Me sinto confortável aqui"". Paysandu Sport Club (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 28 May 2018.
- ^ "Ryan Williams says Brazil was the craziest time of his life". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
- ^ "Paysandu confirma desligamento de meia inglês, que explica saída em vídeo; veja". Globoesporte (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Ryan Williams joins Rovers". Retrieved 16 September 2018.
- ^ "Ryan Williams leaves Rovers". www.tranmererovers.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
- ^ Athletic, Hartford (21 February 2019). "Two Players Added to Hartford Athletic Roster". Hartford Athletic. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ "Ryan Williams klar för AFC" (in Swedish). AFC Eskilstuna. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Akropolis vs. AFC Eskilstuna - 16 October 2020 - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ "Ryan Williams tillbaka i AFC Eskilstuna" (in Swedish). AFC Eskilstuna. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ https://www.detcityfc.com/news/2024/03/04/dcfcm-uslc-roster-update/
- ^ "Futsal Planet". futsalplanet.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ "Ryan Williams – Former Players – The Team – Liverpool Futsal Club". Pitchero. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
External links
[edit]- Ryan Williams at Soccerbase
- Ryan Williams at USL Championship
- Ryan Williams at hartfordathletic.com
- Living people
- 1991 births
- English men's footballers
- English men's futsal players
- Footballers from Birkenhead
- Men's association football midfielders
- Chester City F.C. players
- Colwyn Bay F.C. players
- Llandudno F.C. players
- Rhyl F.C. players
- Morecambe F.C. players
- Brentford F.C. players
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. players
- Ottawa Fury FC players
- Paysandu Sport Club players
- Tranmere Rovers F.C. players
- Hartford Athletic players
- AFC Eskilstuna players
- Detroit City FC players
- Northern Premier League players
- Cymru Alliance players
- English Football League players
- Scottish Professional Football League players
- North American Soccer League (2011–2017) players
- USL Championship players
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B players
- English expatriate men's footballers
- Expatriate men's soccer players in Canada
- English expatriate sportspeople in Canada
- Expatriate men's footballers in Brazil
- British expatriates in Brazil
- Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
- English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
- English expatriate sportspeople in Brazil