Richard Williams

Richard Williams

Born in Bromborough Pool on the Wirral in 1866, Richard starting playing football locally as a full back but soon discovered that his future lay in goal where his size, bulk and no mean skill earned him a move to Everton in 1891.

Never a regular at Goodison Park he nevertheless made 58 League starts in four seasons and played in the 1893 FA Cup final against Wolves which was lost.

With his starts gradually dwindling Richard accepted a move to Luton in November 1895 which was regarded as a huge coup at the time and a statement of intent as the club pushed for elevation to the Football League.

Over almost three seasons, Richard missed only one game and played in three divisions in that time – Southern League, United League and finally Football League. His safe handling, good reflexes and bravery made him a crowd favourite so it was disappointing when he, along with three other players, departed to Football League new boys Glossop in the summer of 1898. The club was in financial turmoil at the time after realising that the Football League was not the Holy Grail and the £200 transfer fee was most welcome.

At Glossop, Richard helped his side to immediate promotion but Division One was a step too far and relegation was suffered after one season and with it the career of Richard who hung up his gloves and went to live and work in Leigh. He became the professional at his local cricket club and continued to play the summer game for some years.

Richard passed away in Leigh in 1939.