Skilly Williams

Reginald George "Skilly" Williams (4 January 1890 – 19 June 1959) was an English association footballer. Born in Watford, he played primarily as a striker during his amateur career, but later switched to become a goalkeeper. After playing for Leavesden Mental Hospital's football team, as well as for Hertfordshire, Williams joined Watford as an amateur in 1910, turning professional in 1914. During his first season as a professional, Watford won the 1914–1915 Southern Football League title. League football was then interrupted for four seasons due to the First World War. He served as a private in the Norfolk Regiment and the Labour Corps during the conflict.[1] Following the resumption of competitive football in 1919, Williams again played a part as Watford finished runners up to Portsmouth on goal average. Watford entered the Football League the following season, and Williams stayed with the club for a further six seasons. He holds the record for the most Watford appearances by a goalkeeper; 83 in the Southern League, 240 in the Football League, 17 in the FA Cup and one in the Southern Charity Cup.[2] He stayed at Watford until 1926, before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer.[3]

Skilly Williams
Personal information
Full name Reginald George Williams
Date of birth (1890-01-04)4 January 1890
Place of birth Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Date of death 19 June 1959(1959-06-19) (aged 69)
Place of death Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Position(s) Goalkeeper or striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1909–1910 Leavesden Mental Hospital
1910–1926 Watford 323 (0)
1926–1929 Brighton & Hove Albion
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Personal life

Williams' son, Reg Jr. also went on to be a footballer, playing for Watford and Chelsea.[4] His great-grandchildren, Danny Grieves, Darren Grieves and Grant Cornock played football, with all three playing for Watford at youth level.[5] Darren Grieves' son, Jack is also a footballer, and currently plays for Watford.[4]

References
  1. "The Great War 100 Years Ago 1914 – 2014". Waford Football Club v Milllwall – First World War Commemorative Issue. 1 November 2014.
  2. "Watford's great goalkeepers". Watford Football Club. 9 June 2008. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  3. Jones, Trefor (1996). The Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. p. 243. ISBN 0-9527458-0-1.
  4. "Grieves: "Growing Up Playing For The Club You Support Is Everything You Dream About"". watfordfc.com. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  5. "Legendary Watford goalkeeper 'Skilly' Williams died 55 years ago today". watfordobserver.co.uk. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2023.


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