Mike Williams (footballer, born 1965)

Michael Williams (born 6 February 1965) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played in The Football League for Chester City and Wrexham as both a defender and a midfielder.

For other people named Mike Williams, see Mike Williams (disambiguation).

Mike Williams
Personal information
Full name Michael Williams
Date of birth (1965-12-31) 31 December 1965
Place of birth Mancot, Wales
Position(s) Defender/Midfielder
Youth career
Everton
Hawarden Rangers
Chester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1982–1984 Chester 34 (4)
1984–1991 Wrexham 178 (3)
International career
Wales Youth
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

Williams had been with Everton as a schoolboy before playing for Hawarden Rangers, where he was spotted by Chester coach Cliff Sear.[1] He made his Football League debut on 8 May 1982 in a 2–1 home defeat to Lincoln City in the number eight shirt.[2] He had spells in and out of the first–team over the next two years, in a side that contained fellow homegrown youngsters such as Paul Blackwell, Peter Bulmer and Peter Zelem.

He made his final appearance for Chester against Bristol City on 7 May 1984 before he was released by manager John McGrath.[3] During his time at Chester, Williams and teammate John Allen had been set to join Chelsea on trial with a view to permanent transfers, but the deals collapsed after Williams was stretchered off in a match against Hartlepool United.[4]

He quickly joined Chester's arch rivals Wrexham, where he quickly established himself in the first-team side. Over the next six years, Williams went on to make 238 first-team appearances for the North Wales club, helping them win the Welsh Cup against Kidderminster Harriers in 1985–86.[5] His final game for the club came in a European Cup Winners Cup tie against Manchester United in October 1990, with a persistent knee injury forcing him to retire from playing the following year.[6]

On 7 April 1992, a testimonial match for Williams was staged between Wrexham and Chester City. A crowd of 1,984 saw a 1–1 draw between Williams' two former clubs.[2]

Honours

Wrexham

References
  1. Mike Williams testimonial matchday programme; 7/4/1992; pg. 3
  2. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. Yore Publications. pp. stats section. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  3. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. Yore Publications. p. 100. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  4. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. Yore Publications. p. 99. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  5. Mike Williams testimonial matchday programme; 7/4/1992; pg. 5
  6. Mike Williams testimonial matchday programme; 7/4/1992; pg. 2
  • Chester City at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database
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