Ryan Williams (footballer, born 1993)

Early life

Born in Perth, Australia, Williams is the son of a mother that originates from Mumbai, India and a father that was born in Kent, England, Williams was brought up in a footballing family. Both older brother Rhys and twin brother Aryn (both currently at Perth Glory) are professional footballers. The brothers all started their careers at ECU Joondalup before moving to England.

Portsmouth

Williams joined Portsmouth in July 2010, signing a scholarship with the clubs' academy side. There were initial issues concerning international clearance, with the FFA (Football Federation Australia) failing to release vital paperwork to allow Williams to play, but this was eventually resolved on 12 November. He played his first match for Portsmouth on 6 August 2010, in a friendly against Farnborough. His first competitive academy match for Portsmouth was a 4–1 loss to Chelsea.

2011–12 season

Williams was promoted to training with Steve Cotterill's first-team upon returning for the 2011–12 season. This cumulated with Williams' making his first appearance with the first-team in a 4–0 win over Havant & Waterlooville, in which he produced a lively display, contributing an assist. He went on to feature against Chelsea and travelled to the USA with the first-team. Cotterill indicated that he was ready to promote Williams to the Portsmouth first-team squad, and Williams was selected to be on the bench for the Championship match against Middlesbrough with the 17 jersey.

He made his professional début in the opening-day match against Middlesbrough, on 6 August 2011, after he came off the bench to replace Hermann Hreiðarsson in the 63rd minute, playing against his older brother Rhys, who scored in the match.

Fulham

On 31 January 2012, Fulham announced the transfer deadline day signing of Williams from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee, having impressed during a reserve game against Wolverhampton Wanderers the previous night.

On 13 May 2014, following the relegation of Fulham and his conclusion to his loan spell, Williams signed a new two-year contract with the club.

Loan spells

Williams signed for Gillingham in League Two on a one-month loan deal on 14 February 2013 but failed to make an appearance for the Kent club before being recalled by Fulham.

On 3 August 2013, Williams joined Oxford United on loan until 1 January 2014, and made his debut against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. He scored his first senior goal on 28 September 2013 in a League Two win over Hartlepool United. On 19 December 2013, Fulham agreed to extend his loan deal until the end of the season. After making thirty-five appearance and scoring six times so far, Williams made his final appearance for the club this season against relegation battler Northampton Town. Williams scored his seventh goal of the season, where he give the team in the lead. However, towards the first half, Williams was then sent-off for kicking Ricky Ravenhill. After being sent off, Northampton Town would take the lead and went on to win 3–1, which Northampton Town survive relegation and Oxford United missing out of the play-offs.

After being included two matches for Fulham at the start of the 2014–15 season, it was announced on 2 October 2014 that Williams joined Barnsley on an initial one-month loan. Williams made his Barnsley debut ten days later on 12 October 2014, in a 3–1 win over Bradford City. Having made seven appearance, Williams had his loan spell extended until 1 January 2015. However, Williams' first team was soon reduced due to his international commitment and suffering a groin injury before returned to his parent club.

Barnsley

On 26 July 2015, Williams re-joined Barnsley, but this time on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first and what turned out to be only goal for Barnsley when he scored a late winner in a 4-3 win at Cardiff City.

Rotherham United

On the 20 June 2017, Williams moved across South Yorkshire to join Rotherham United on a two-year deal.

Club statistics