Gary Williams (born 17 June 1960, Wolverhampton) is a former professional footballer who played as a left-back. He played for Aston Villa and was part of their European Cup victory in 1982.
Joining Villa as a schoolboy, he lodged with Brendan Ormsby, Colin Gibson and Gordon Cowans. Williams signed as a YTS apprentice at sixteen in July 1976.https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/player/gary-williams First added to the squad in early the 1977-78 season, the 18 year-old made his debut on 16 September 1978, in a 1-1 draw against Everton at home. He made two first team appearances in the 79–80 season and 9 loan appearances for Walsall.
Contesting with Gibson for the left-back position, Gary Williams was one of just 14 players used by Ron Saunders to become League champions the following season. He played in the 1982 European Cup final. His pass upfield started the play that ended with Peter Withe's goal. He played in the Aston Villa team that beat Barcelona 3–0 at Villa Park to win the 1982 European Super Cup.
The 26-year-old made his final appearance on 4 May 1987 under Billy McNeill, in a 1-2 at home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday after Villa had been relegated. He joined Leeds United, also in the Second Division.
Williams also played for Watford and Bradford City.
Honours Aston Villa Football League First Division: 1980–81 FA Charity Shield: 1981 (shared) European Cup: 1981–82 European Super Cup: 1982 Intercontinental Cup runner-up: 1982
References
External links
Gary Williams Aston Villa stats at Sporting-Heroes.net Gary Williams Leeds United stats at Sporting-Heroes.net Gary Williams career stats at Leeds-Fans.org.uk