Three cheers for Alex …
Alex Williams bowed out in style with an unprecedented insight into Manchester City’s treble triumph at the end to the 2022/23 season. He kept a diary of the final month of the season which saw him present the Premier League trophy to Ilkay Gundogan. The crowning glory in a remarkable football journey, captured in his autobiography You Saw Me Standing Alone.
The book also lays bare the heartache and hurt he suffered as a player when taunted by racists before he became the torchbearer for City’s community programme.
Alex wrote his autobiography in collaboration with Andy Buckley, an experienced writer and broadcaster who has covered sporting events in more than 25 countries during a long media career. Andy was the City commentator for BBC Radio Manchester for many years and is now a season ticket holder.
ALEX WILLIAMS MBE HONOURED AT PRESTIGIOUS FOOTBALL AWARDS CEREMONY
Former Manchester City goalkeeper and City in the Community Ambassador, Alex Williams MBE, has been recognised at this year’s North West Football Awards. Williams was surprised with ‘The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award’ for his services to the local...
The Guardian – ‘A massive part of my life’: Alex Williams’s Manchester City odyssey
The former Manchester City goalkeeper and retiring head of City in the Community charity on his playing career, tackling racism and his legacy
Maine Road, 14 March 1981: Alex Williams has just enjoyed a triumphant man‑of-the‑match debut as Manchester City’s goalkeeper in a 2-1 win over West Brom when he experiences a shock.
Author event – Q&A with Alex Williams at Serenity Booksellers, Romily
Serenity Booksellers, Romily, are incredibly pleased to be able to host Alex Williams MBE, as he talks about his autobiography, You Saw Me Standing Alone. Join us for a Q&A session, listen to his story and have a book signed on the night.
Tickets cost just £1 which can be used as a token off any book on the night and can be purchased online (link in full article)
Noel and Liam Gallagher’s Man City hero lifts lid on sickening racist abuse in new book
Opposition fans used to greet Alex Williams with bananas, burning crosses and envelopes packed with razorblades when he was Manchester City ’s goalkeeper.
Even his manager and team-mates used language that would now get them sacked such was the acceptance back in the 1980s that football was racist and nothing could be done.
City Renames Pitch In Honour Of Community Ambassador Alex Williams
Following his successful playing career, Williams became Head of City in the Community (CITC) in 1990, shaping the charity into one of the largest and most impactful football foundations in the country.
‘The Alex Williams Community Pitch’ has been unveiled in celebration of the positive impact Williams has had across Greater Manchester for over 33 years, and the legacy his work leaves behind.
Our much-loved former keeper and CITC legend is leaving Manchester City after many decades of service on and off the pitch….
In this heartfelt farewell interview, Alex watches on as friends and family pay tribute to his immense contribution to the Club’s much-envied community programme.
From his sisters and mum, to former team-mate Jason Beckford and Sky Sports presenter Mike Wedderburn, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as Alex listens to the many deserved tributes.
Guest Blog: Andy Buckley discussing the new Alex Williams MBE biography
‘You Saw Me Standing Alone‘ (the biography of Alex Williams MBE) has recently been published. It has been researched and ghostwritten by well-known broadcaster Andy Buckley and is a fascinating read. Andy has written the following guest blog to tell us about the book and the research. I’d urge everyone to buy the book. It’s well worth it. Thanks Gary.
How could I decline the chance to tell the remarkable story of Manchester City’s former goalkeeper in You Saw Me Standing Alone?
Man City legend ALEX WILLIAMS on becoming the top flight’s first black goalkeeper in the 1980s
Alex Williams was the first black goalkeeper to regularly play in Division One
Now he is the beaming face of Manchester City’s charity, City in the Community
There will be two groups of Manchester City supporter. One who remembers Alex Williams as the first black goalkeeper to regularly play in the old First Division, the one who took over from the great Joe Corrigan in the 1980s.
Gallagher brothers pay tribute to Alex Williams in his new book
‘Oasis Play Cringle Park’ is the intriguing title of a chapter in Alex Williams’ autobiography You Saw Me Standing Alone.
The Gallagher brothers were still dreaming of a career in music when as youngsters they kicked a ball on a shale pitch in the Levenshulme park near their south Manchester home.
Alex Williams releases autobiography
Alex Williams MBE, City in the Community Ambassador, has today released his autobiography, just weeks before he retires from the charity after 33 years.
Alex courageously reached the top before an injury he kept secret from team-mates ended his playing career in 1987 at the age of 25.
Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer, The Times
‘Poignant and revealing insight from a City legend and pioneer on and off the pitch’
Mike Wedderburn, Sky Sports
‘In the school playground no one wanted to be in goal. I did. I wanted to be Alex Williams. He was brilliant and black and I wanted to be just like him. Alex built the bridge for others to follow. The game should be eternally grateful to him. I know I am.’
Gary Lineker, Match of the Day presenter
‘An amazing life story’
Vincent Kompany, Burnley manager and ex-Manchester City captain
‘A City icon and a trailblazer’
Clive Myrie, BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter
‘A powerful and uplifting story’