Sian Williams (footballer)

Sian Williams (born 2 February 1968) is an English former footballer and ex–manager of Watford Ladies. As a player she represented both England and Wales, and later managed Wales.

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

Sian Williams
Personal information
Full name Sian Williams
Date of birth (1968-02-02) 2 February 1968
Place of birth Camborne, Cornwall, England
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
0000–1988 Millwall Lionesses
1988–1990 Juve Siderno
1990–2004 Arsenal Ladies
2004–2006 Charlton Athletic Ladies
2006–2007 Watford Ladies
International career‡
1985 Wales 1
1988–2005 England 20
Managerial career
2000–2003 Wales
2006–2009 Watford Ladies
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:38, 1 May 2010 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:12, 1 May 2010 (UTC)

Club career

Williams played at club level for Millwall Lionesses and spent two years in Italy with Juve Siderno.[1] She signed for Arsenal Ladies in 1990, from where she joined Charlton Athletic Ladies in September 2004.[2]

In her 14 years at Arsenal Williams amassed numerous trophies.[1] She captained The Gunners to their domestic treble in 2001.[3]

International career

In 1985, she earned a senior cap for Wales, before switching to represent England.[4] Williams played for both England and Wales at international level.[5] She was a non-playing member of England's 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup squad.

She was allotted 97 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.[6][7]

Coaching career

Williams joined the coaching staff at Arsenal's Centre of Excellence, later taking on a similar role at Watford, before becoming the manager of the Welsh national team in 2000.

In May 2003 Williams was highly critical of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) for pulling the women's team out of the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship qualification tournament.

Williams became manager of Watford Ladies in the 2006 close season and led the side to promotion to the FA Women's Premier League at the end of the campaign.[8] She stood down from the post in November 2009.[9]

Personal life

Williams' father was Alan Williams, the British Labour Party politician.[10] She worked as a maths teacher during her career as a football player and coach.[9]

References
  1. "Sian Williams". Charlton Athletic F.C. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  2. Sue Prior (15 September 2004). "Charlton 4 Fulham Ladies 1". Charlton Athletic F.C. Archived from the original on 7 October 2006. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  3. Tony Leighton (4 February 2001). "Gunners aim to shoot down Belles". BBC. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  4. Williams, Jean (31 January 2022). The History of Women's Football. p. 222. ISBN 9781526785343.
  5. Matt Wright (17 September 2004). "Striker set for England debut". Charlton Athletic F.C. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  6. "England squad named for World Cup". The Football Association. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  7. Lacey-Hatton, Jack (18 November 2022). "Lionesses introduce 'legacy numbers' for players past and present". mirror. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  8. "Staff". Watford F.C. 14 November 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2009.
  9. "PRESS RELEASE: DEPARTURE OF SIAN WILLIAMS". Watford F.C. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  10. Rob Owen (20 November 2005). "Five of the Best – sporting family connections". Wales on Sunday. p. 24.


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