Mike Williams (footballer, born 1965)


Michael "Mike" Williams is a Welsh former professional footballer. He played in The Football League for Chester City and Wrexham as both a defender and a Midfielder.

Playing career

Williams had been with Everton as a schoolboy before playing for Hawarden Rangers, where he was spotted by Chester coach Cliff Sear. He made his Football League debut on 8 May 1982 in a 2–1 home defeat to Lincoln City in the number eight shirt. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.

Honours

Wrexham