Paul Williams (footballer, born 1971)

For other people named Paul Williams, see Paul Williams (disambiguation).
Paul Williams
Personal information
Full name Paul Darren Williams[1]
Date of birth (1971-03-26) 26 March 1971
Place of birth Burton upon Trent, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Centre back, midfielder
Youth career
Derby County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1989–1995 Derby County 160 (26)
1989 → Lincoln City (loan) 3 (0)
1995–2001 Coventry City 169 (5)
2001 → Southampton (loan) 1 (0)
2001–2003 Southampton 39 (0)
2003–2005 Stoke City 19 (0)
2005 Richmond Kickers 5 (0)
Total 395 (31)
National team
1991 England U21 6 (0)
Teams managed
2006–2007 Fredericksburg Gunners
2015 Brentford (assistant)
2016 Nottingham Forest (caretaker)
2016- Swansea City (assistant)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.


Paul Darren Williams (born 26 March 1971) is an English former professional footballer and current assistant manager of Swansea City. As a player he was a centre back and midfielder from 1989 until 2005, notably in the Premier League for both Coventry City and Southampton, as well as in the Football League for Derby County and Stoke City. Upon his retirement he moved into coaching, working in the academies at Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers and with the England youth teams. He served Nottingham Forest as caretaker manager late in the 2015–16 season.

Club career

Derby County

Born in Burton upon Trent, Williams began his career as a striker with Division One side Derby County and after moving back into midfield he made his debut during the 1989–90 season,[2][3] making 10 appearances and scoring his first goal for the club.[4] By 1991, Derby had been relegated to Division Two and Williams stepped up to score league 13 goals during the 1991–92 season,[4] including a memorable hattrick in a 3–1 victory over Watford on 29 February 1992.[2] His goals helped the Rams to a place in the playoffs, but the club's season ended after defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the semi-finals.[3] By 1993 Williams had been converted into a central defender and he helped the team to 1994 Division One playoff Final,[3] but Derby were denied a place in the Premier League by Leicester City and he found himself partly at fault for one of the Foxes' goals.[5] He remained at the Baseball Ground until the end of the 1994–95 season,[6] when a 9th-place finish saw Derby fail to qualify for the playoffs.[7] Williams made 195 appearances and scored 33 goals during six seasons with the Rams.[6]

Lincoln City (loan)

Williams joined Division Four club Lincoln City on loan on 9 November 1989 and made the first professional appearances of his career in a six-match spell at Sincil Bank.[6]

Coventry City

Williams moved up to the Premier League to sign with Coventry City in August 1995 for a £750000 fee.[6] He was the Highfield Road club's Player of the Year in his debut season and remained at the club for a further five years before being released in September 2001 after falling behind Gary Breen, Muhamed Konjić, Richard Shaw and Calum Davenport in the centre back pecking order.[8][9] Williams made 199 appearances and scored six goals for Coventry City.[6]

Southampton

Williams reunited with his former Coventry City manager Gordon Strachan at Premier League side Southampton on 26 October 2001, signing on a short-term loan with a view to a permanent move.[10] He made his debut the following day as a first half substitute for Claus Lundekvam during a 2–1 defeat to Fulham.[11] After signing on a permanent deal the following week,[12] Williams was a near ever-present during the remainder of the 2001–02 season, making 30 appearances.[11] Injuries disrupted Williams' 2002–03 season,[13] which proved to be a memorable campaign for the Saints, reaching the 2003 FA Cup Final (qualifying for the UEFA Cup) and finishing 8th in the Premier League.[14] Williams' final involvement with the first team was as an unused substitute during the Cup Final, which was lost 1–0 to Arsenal.[15] Williams was released at the end of the season after making 43 appearances during two seasons at St Mary's.[6]

Stoke City

After angering Walsall manager Colin Lee over reneging on a deal in principle to join the Division One club for the 2003–04 season,[16] Williams joined rivals Stoke City on 18 August 2003.[17] He made 20 appearances during the 2003–04 season and injuries reduced him to no appearances 2004–05,[18][19][20] which led to his release on 1 February 2005.[21]

Later years

In April 2005 it was announced that Williams had joined United Soccer League Division One side Richmond Kickers.[20] He made five appearances in a short spell. It was announced in October 2006 that Williams had joined Midland Alliance club Rocester,[22] but the deal collapsed.[23]

International career

Williams won six caps for the England U21 team in 1991.[24] He made three appearances at the 1991 Toulon Tournament, started in a 2–1 friendly victory over Germany and played in two 1992 European U21 Championship qualifiers.[24]

Managerial career

Fredericksburg Gunners

Williams was announced as head coach of USL Premier Development League expansion club Fredericksburg Gunners in December 2006.[25] He was replaced by Cristian Neagu in February 2007, before the 2007 season began.[26]

Nottingham Forest

On 17 December 2015, Williams was named first team coach at Championship side Nottingham Forest.[27] On 13 March 2016, Williams was named manager until the end of the 2015–16 season, following the termination of Dougie Freedman's contract on the same day.[28] Williams took charge of his first game two days later, a 1–1 draw away to Hull City.[29] He guided the club to a 16th-place finish and departed the City Ground on 12 May 2016.[30][31]

Coaching career

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Williams served as a youth development coach at Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2006 and 2008.[32]

Aldershot Town

On 14 October 2009, Williams was installed as assistant to caretaker manager and former Southampton teammate Jason Dodd at League Two club Aldershot Town.[33] The pair presided over four matches and departed after a 2–0 FA Cup second round victory over Bury on 7 November.[34]

Southampton

Williams rejoined former club Southampton as a part-time youth coach at the club's academy in 2009 and was promoted to the full-time role of Youth Development Coach in July 2011.[35] He managed the U13 team, served as assistant to U18 manager Jason Dodd and coached specialist sessions for teams between U14 and U18 level.[35] Dodd and Williams were dismissed from their roles on 20 May 2014.[36] Dodd and Williams presided over a productive era for the Saints academy,[37] with future England internationals Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers graduating and earning the club millions in transfer fees.[38]

Team Solent

Williams was first team coach at Hampshire Premier League side Team Solent during the 2010–11 season.[3]

Eastleigh

Williams was announced as assistant manager/first team coach under Ian Baird at Conference South club Eastleigh on 2 June 2011.[39] On 1 July, it was announced that Williams had left the club.[40]

Gosport Borough

Williams linked up with Jason Dodd as part of the backroom team at Conference South side Gosport Borough in January 2015.[41] He left the club at the end of the 2014–15 season.

Brentford

In July 2015, Williams joined Championship club Brentford as Logistics Manager and became assistant to new head coach and former Derby County and Coventry City teammate Lee Carsley on 28 September.[42][43] After the appointment of Dean Smith as the Bees' new head coach two months later, Williams was replaced as assistant by Richard O'Kelly and reverted to a coaching role with the Development Squad.[44] He left the club in December 2015.[44]

England U15 & U16

On 28 July 2015, Williams was announced as an assistant coach with the England U15 and U16 teams.[45]

Career statistics

Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Derby County 1989–90[4] First Division 101—0000101
1990–91[4] 19400101[lower-alpha 1]0214
1991–92[4] Second Division 411332313[lower-alpha 2]05016
1992–93[4] First Division 19431005[lower-alpha 3]1276
1993–94[4] 34110304[lower-alpha 4]0421
1994–95[46] 37310412[lower-alpha 3]1445
Total 160268311215219433
Lincoln City (loan) 1989–90[6] Fourth Division 3020—1[lower-alpha 5]060
Coventry City 1995–96[47] Premier League 3221041—372
1996–97[48] 3224020—382
1997–98[49] 2001040—250
1998–99[50] 2202020—260
1999–00[51] 2813010—321
2000–01[52] 3002040—360
2001–02[11] First Division 50—00—50
Total 1695130170—1995
Southampton 2001–02[11] Premier League 2801010—300
2002–03[53] 1101000—120
Total 3902010—420
Stoke City 2003–04[18] First Division 1900010—200
2004–05[19] Championship 000000—00
Total 1900010—200
Richmond Kickers 2005 USL First Division 50———50
Career Total 3953125330316246639
  1. ↑ Appearance in Full Members Cup.
  2. ↑ 2 appearances in Football League playoffs, 1 appearance in Full Members Cup.
  3. 1 2 Appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup.
  4. ↑ 3 appearances in Football League playoffs, 1 appearance in Anglo-Italian Cup.
  5. ↑ Appearance in Football League Trophy.

Managerial statistics

As of match played 7 May 2016.
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref
PWDLWin %
Nottingham Forest (caretaker) 13 March 2016 12 May 2016 10 2 4 4 20.0 [54][55]
Total 10 2 4 4 20.0 —

Honours

References

  1. ↑ "Barry Hugman's Footballers - Paul Williams". hugmansfootballers.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Derby County: Brentford visit brings back memories of Paul Williams for Robin Johnson". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Paul Williams". www.thesaintshub.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Paul D Williams". 11v11.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "Football / Play-Offs: Leicester ride their luck into Premiership:". The Independent. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Age 44 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  7. ↑ "Football Club History Database - Derby County". fchd.info. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  8. 1 2 "My Football Facts & Stats | Premier League | Coventry City Player of the Year". www.myfootballfacts.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  9. ↑ "Williams' way out". BBC. 28 September 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  10. ↑ "Strachan makes first Saints signing". the Guardian. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2001/2002 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  12. ↑ "Saints target Bart-Williams". BBC. 5 May 2001. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  13. ↑ "Paul Williams - League Appearances (Part 1) - Coventry City FC". Sporting Heroes. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  14. ↑ "Football Club History Database - Southampton". fchd.info. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  15. ↑ "Arsenal retain FA Cup". BBC. 17 May 2003. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  16. ↑ "Williams upsets Lee". BBS Sport. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  17. ↑ "Potters grab Williams". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  18. 1 2 "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2003/2004 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  19. 1 2 "Paul Williams Player Profile - ESPN FC". www.espnfc.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  20. 1 2 "RichmondKickers.com". www.richmondkickers.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  21. ↑ "February 2005". ESPNFC.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  22. ↑ "Williams signs for Romans". Burton Mail. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  23. ↑ "Romans wait on star duo". Uttoxeter Advertiser. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  24. 1 2 "England - U-21 International Results 1986-1995 - Details". www.rsssf.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
  25. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". sylsoccer.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  26. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". www.wleaguesoccer.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  27. ↑ "Williams joins Forest coaching staff". BBC. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
  28. ↑ "Dougie Freedman: Nottingham Forest manager sacked". BBC Sport. 13 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  29. ↑ "Hull City 1-1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
  30. ↑ Ltd, Statto Organisation. "Nottingham Forest League Table 2015-2016 - Statto.com". Statto.com. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  31. ↑ NFFC. "Nottingham Forest, First-Team Coach, Paul Williams, The City Ground". www.nottinghamforest.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-13.
  32. ↑ "Ex-Southampton coach who nurtured Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers linked to Yeovil Town job". Western Gazette. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  33. ↑ "Caretaker manager announcement". Aldershot Town F.C. Official Website. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  34. ↑ "Aldershot Town 2-0 Bury". BBC. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  35. 1 2 "Paul Williams appointed". Southampton F.C. Official Website. 6 July 2011. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  36. ↑ Hytner, David (20 May 2014). "Luke Shaw 'gutted' after Southampton sack Academy coaches". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  37. ↑ Hytner, David. "Luke Shaw 'gutted' after Southampton sack Academy coaches". the Guardian. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  38. ↑ "Southampton sack academy coaches Jason Dodd and Paul Williams". Mail Online. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  39. ↑ "Paul Williams appointed as new Assistant Manager". www.eastleighnews.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  40. ↑ "Braybrook is new Eastleigh coach". Daily Echo. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  41. ↑ "Dodd plays down Boro role". Daily Echo. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  42. ↑ Wickham, Chris. "Brentford Football Club football staff update". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  43. ↑ "Brentford FC statement on Head Coach: Marinus Dijkhuizen leaves Brentford Football Club". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  44. 1 2 "Paul Williams leaves Brentford to take up Nottingham Forest coaching role". www.brentfordfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-12-17.
  45. ↑ "The FA have appointed four interim national coaches to support England's development teams - England | The FA". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  46. ↑ Sewell, Albert (1995). News Of The World Football Annual 1995–96. Hammersmith, London: Invincible Press. p. 329. ISBN 0855432330.
  47. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1995/1996 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  48. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1996/1997 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  49. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1997/1998 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  50. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1998/1999 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  51. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 1999/2000 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  52. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2000/2001 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  53. ↑ "Paul Williams | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2002/2003 | 1989-2005 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 18 November 2015.
  54. ↑ "Managers: Paul Williams". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  55. ↑ Phillips, Owen (14 March 2016). "Nottingham Forest: Dougie Freedman exit means it's City Ground-hog day". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
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