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JOHNNY WILLIAMS
Full Name: John Stanley James Williams
Born: 16 August 1935
Came from: EEM Department Went to: Bristol Rovers
First game: 10 September 1955 Last game: 11 April 1966
Appearances: 447 (446/1) Goals: 55
Born in Bristol, Johnny Williams came to live in Plymouth at an early age and learned his football locally, but he did not come through the traditional schoolboy and representative route; in 1954 he was signed as a part-time professional after his father asked the club to give his son a trial. Few could possibly have realised then that the 19-year-old would go on to be one of the most successful players in Argyle's history.
Originally an inside forward, Williams made his debut against Blackburn in September 1955 and retained his place for much of that season. After relegation the side made an appalling start to the 56-57 campaign. Manager Jack Rowley left Williams out and decided to play him at wing-half in the reserve side. Williams returned 4 games later and never looked back. Over the next 6 seasons he missed only 3 games, a tribute to his remarkable fitness and physical strength. At the height of his form he was majestic and constantly watched by top First Division teams. In 1958 he attracted a substantial bid from Wolves, at that time on their way to a second consecutive League Championship.
During National Service in 1958 and 1959 he was a regular in the British Army XI and was often the only non-international in that side. In one Army fixture in Scotland the watching Matt Busby described him as “the finest player on view tonight.” All of his contemporaries at Home Park shared the opinion that not only could he have played at the highest level but that he would have taken it by storm. In all competitions he made 447 (plus 1 sub) appearances for the Pilgrims and notched 55 goals, many of them unstoppable long-distance drives and volleys. He is 4th in overall appearances for the club.
Williams used his money wisely and at one time owned three separate garages in Efford, West Park and Southway. In 1965 he fell out of favour with Derek Ufton and moved back to his birthplace to play for Bristol Rovers. After 69 appearances and 10 goals the Bristol club reneged on the deal that allowed him to live and train in Plymouth. He became player-manager of Bodmin Town before joining Falmouth Town, whom he helped to unprecedented success. He returned to Argyle to assist Billy Bingham but when the latter was sacked Williams left too and concentrated on his burgeoning garage business.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
If you can add to this profile, perhaps with special memories, a favourite story or the results of your original research, please contribute here.
From John Beresford in Cambridge on 25/11/2015 ...
I can remember as a callow youth of 15 standing by the railings in front of the bank of railway sleepers in what some supporters called Spion Kop, watching my hero Johnny Williams take the field in the FA Cup 3rd Round against West Ham in January 1962. The Hammers were crammed with past, present and future internationals. Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Phil Woosnam were all playing. Argyle put on one of the finest displays I can remember, and stuffed them 3-0. I can remember John Bond losing his temper just in front of me. ... More
From John Plaskitt in Droitwich Worcs on 16/08/2016 ...
Just following John Beresford's comments from Nov 15, I was also at the West Ham game as a 10 year old in the Devonport End. Johnny W hit another 30 yard screamer, this time over the bar into the Devonport End. Instinctively I put my hand up to stop the ball, as you do, only to see my watch disappear into pieces!
I used to mentioned this to Johnny W on numerous occasions when calling on him when he owned the 3 garages to sell him Cigarettes and Confectionery.
Some Player!
From Mike S in Alveston on 16/08/2017 ...
Johnny came to Rovers when I moved to Bristol. I was a youth, so as Eastville was my closest ground, I remember him more because of the Argyle connection. A brilliant player. Didn't know of the reason for his departure. Firm favourite, along with Harold Jarman. Spectacular goals and a very sporting character. Thanks for the memory, GoS
From Jon G in Torquay on 04/05/2024 ...
Clarified Falmouth dates here:
https://www.cornwallfootballforum.com/topic/49381-johnny-williams/
APPEARANCE DETAILS [reselect competitions]
The details below reflect appearances in all first-team competitions.
I'm very grateful to many who have helped write GoS-DB's player pen-pictures, and to Dave Rowntree, the PAFC Media Team and Colin Parsons for their help with photos. Thanks also to staff at the National Football Museum, the Scottish Football Museum and ScotlandsPeople for their valuable assistance.
The following publications have been particularly valuable in the research of pen-pictures: Plymouth Argyle, A Complete Record 1903-1989 (Brian Knight, ISBN 0-907969-40-2); Plymouth Argyle, 101 Golden Greats (Andy Riddle, ISBN 1-874287-47-3); Football League Players' Records 1888-1939 (Michael Joyce, ISBN 1-899468-67-6); Football League Players' Records 1946-1988 (Barry Hugman, ISBN 1-85443-020-3) and Plymouth Argyle Football Club Handbooks.
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