Paul Williams (footballer, born 1971)

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, making 10 appearances and scoring his first goal for the club. By 1991, Derby had been relegated to Division Two and Williams stepped up to score league 13 goals during the 1991–92 season, including a memorable hattrick in a 3–1 victory over Watford on 29 February 1992. 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. By 1993 Williams had been converted into a central defender and he helped the team to 1994 Division One playoff Final, 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. He remained at the Baseball Ground until the end of the 1994–95 season, when a 9th-place finish saw Derby fail to qualify for the playoffs. Williams made 195 appearances and scored 33 goals during six seasons with the Rams.

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.

Coventry City

Williams moved up to the Premier League to sign with Coventry City in August 1995 for a £750,000 fee. 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. Williams made 199 appearances and scored six goals for Coventry City.

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. He made his debut the following day as a first half substitute for Claus Lundekvam during a 2–1 defeat to Fulham. After signing on a permanent deal the following week, Williams was a near ever-present during the remainder of the 2001–02 season, making 30 appearances. Injuries disrupted Williams' 2002–03 season, 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. Williams' final involvement with the first team was as an unused substitute during the Cup Final, which was lost 1–0 to Arsenal. Williams was released at the end of the season after making 43 appearances during two seasons at St Mary's.

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, Williams joined rivals Stoke City on 18 August 2003. He made 20 appearances during the 2003–04 season and injuries reduced him to no appearances 2004–05, which led to his release on 1 February 2005.

Later years

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

International career

Williams won six caps for the England U21 team in 1991. 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.

Fredericksburg Gunners

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

Nottingham Forest

On 17 December 2015, Williams was named first team coach at Championship side Nottingham Forest. 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. Williams took charge of his first game two days later, a 1–1 draw away to Hull City. He guided the club to a 16th-place finish and departed the City Ground on 12 May 2016.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

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

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. The pair presided over four matches and departed after a 2–0 FA Cup second round victory over Bury on 7 November.

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. He managed the U13 team, served as assistant to U18 manager Jason Dodd and coached specialist sessions for teams between U14 and U18 level. Dodd and Williams were dismissed from their roles on 20 May 2014. Dodd and Williams presided over a productive era for the Saints academy, with future England internationals Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers graduating and earning the club millions in transfer fees.

Team Solent

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

Eastleigh

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

Gosport Borough

Williams linked up with Jason Dodd as part of the backroom team at Conference South side Gosport Borough in January 2015. 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. 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. He left the club in December 2015.

England age-group teams

On 28 July 2015, Williams was announced as an assistant coach with the England U15 and U16 teams. He later became assistant to England U20 manager Aidy Boothroyd early in the 2016–17 season and took over as interim manager of the team in September 2016. He managed the U20s to victory in the Four Nations tournament the following month and left the role in mid-November 2016.

Swansea City

Williams joined Premier League club Swansea City as assistant to manager Bob Bradley on 16 November 2016. Following Bradley's sacking and the appointment of Paul Clement as manager on 3 January 2017, Williams was placed on gardening leave.

Managerial statistics

As a manager

England U20

As an individual