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Ryan Williams (footballer, born 1991)

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For other people with the same name, see Ryan Williams (disambiguation).

Ryan Williams
Personal information
Full name Ryan Anthony Williams[1]
Date of birth (1991-04-08) 8 April 1991 (age 33)
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 22 (1)
International career
2010 England Futsal 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 October 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

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Chester City

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Williams returned to the United States in March 2024, signing with USL Championship side Detroit City ahead of their 2024 season.[48]

Futsal

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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

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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 0 0 – – 0 0 10+ 1+
2010–11 NPL Premier Division 0 0 0 0 – – 0 0 0 0
2011–12 Conference North 0 0 0 0 – – 0 0 0+ 0+
Total 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10+ 1+
Llandudno (loan) 2010–11 Cymru Alliance 16 7 0 0 – – – 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+
  1. ^ Includes the Welsh Cup, FA Cup, and Canadian Championship
  2. ^ All appearances in the Football League Cup
  3. ^ Appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup
  4. ^ a b c Appearances in the EFL Trophy

Honours

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ryan Williams". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Ryan Williams | 7". www.ottawafuryfc.com. Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  3. ^ Moore, Tom (11 June 2015). "Brentford sign free kick specialist Ryan Williams from Morecambe". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  4. ^ Interview with Ryan Williams thesetpieces.com
  5. ^ Administrator, northwales (20 June 2008). "Chester City hit by transfer embargo". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  6. ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  7. ^ "January 2009 News". www.chester-city.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  8. ^ "Match Programmes 2008/09". www.chester-city.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Ryan Williams – Evo Football Consultancy". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  11. ^ Administrator, northwales (23 September 2010). "Football: New faces at Llandudno FC". Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  12. ^ Administrator, northwales (24 March 2011). "Football: Llandudno FC are ruthless against Ruthin". Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  13. ^ "Bentley welcomes Williams arrival". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  14. ^ "Morecambe boss Bentley admits transfer struggles". www.lancasterguardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  15. ^ "Williams deal completed – News – Morecambe". Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  16. ^ "Ryan Williams signs for Morecambe – Evo Football Consultancy". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  18. ^ "Plymouth 2–1 Morecambe". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  19. ^ "Williams signs Shrimps deal". www.morecambefc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  20. ^ "Williams wants to be goal threat". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  21. ^ "Williams & Wright sign Shrimps deals". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  22. ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  23. ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  24. ^ "Bentley: Williams could end up playing abroad". www.thevisitor.co.uk. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  25. ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  26. ^ "Morecambe announce retained list: Captain Mark Hughes one of eight released". www.lancasterguardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  27. ^ Ryan Williams at Soccerbase
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ a b "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  30. ^ "Ryan Williams Player Profile – ESPN FC". www.espnfc.com. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  31. ^ Wickham, Chris. "Ryan Williams leaves Brentford". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  32. ^ Rayner, Stuart (19 October 2017). "'Secret of Brentford's success hungry lower-league players, not moneyball'". nechronicle. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  33. ^ "Signing Brace – Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC". ictfc.com. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  34. ^ "Ryan Williams could be handed Caley Thistle lifeline by Richie Foran". www.inverness-courier.co.uk. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  35. ^ "Free kick specialist Ryan Williams joins Fury FC". Ottawa Fury FC. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  36. ^ a b c d e Ryan Williams at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  37. ^ FC, Ottawa Fury (18 November 2017). "All the best in your future endeavors @RyanWilliams91!". @OttawaFuryFC. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  38. ^ "Paysandu contrata meio-campista". Paysandu Sport Club (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  39. ^ "Ryan Williams comemora estreia com a camisa bicolor: "Me sinto confortável aqui"". Paysandu Sport Club (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  40. ^ "Ryan Williams says Brazil was the craziest time of his life". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  41. ^ "Paysandu confirma desligamento de meia inglês, que explica saída em vídeo; veja". Globoesporte (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  42. ^ "Ryan Williams joins Rovers". Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  43. ^ "Ryan Williams leaves Rovers". www.tranmererovers.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
  44. ^ Athletic, Hartford (21 February 2019). "Two Players Added to Hartford Athletic Roster". Hartford Athletic. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  45. ^ "Ryan Williams klar för AFC" (in Swedish). AFC Eskilstuna. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  46. ^ "Akropolis vs. AFC Eskilstuna - 16 October 2020 - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  47. ^ "Ryan Williams tillbaka i AFC Eskilstuna" (in Swedish). AFC Eskilstuna. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Unknown".[permanent dead link]
  49. ^ "Futsal Planet". futsalplanet.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  50. ^ "Ryan Williams – Former Players – The Team – Liverpool Futsal Club". Pitchero. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  51. ^ "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  52. ^ "Games played by Ryan Williams in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
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