Darren Williams

Darren Williams (born 28 April 1977) is a retired professional footballer that notably played over 200 games in the English premier league with club Sunderland AFC. and still to this day he is an English semi-professional footballer an he now plays for Whitby Town as a Midfielder where he is also the club's manager.
Williams began his career at York City, but made his name at Sunderland, for whom he signed in 1996 and was seen as one of the clubs all-time best defenders and was known for his uncommon style of play as he could adjust himself greatly into different positions, this made him a world class utility defender. Furthermore, although he was originally born in Middlesbrough, he proved many times that he was a true Sunderland fan at heart. He then moved to Cardiff City in 2004, then on to Hartlepool United in 2005. He was released by Hartlepool in 2007 which was unexpected because his performances for the club were very good, after that he made a move to Bradford City during the 2007–08 season. He then, after that went on to play with Dundee, Gateshead and Gainsborough Trinity before joining Whitby. The Sunderland legend now is also now a football coach at East Durham College, along with former Sunderland player Darren Holloway and Hartlepool United legend Brain Honour.

Born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, Williams played for Cleveland and North Yorkshire Boys and Marton Boys before joining the York City youth system in July 1993, scoring 16 goals for the Intermediate side in the 1993–94 season. He made his first team debut as a substitute in a 4–0 victory over Blackpool on 26 December 1994, which was his only appearance of the 1994–95 season. Due to an injury to Steve Bushell he started the 1995–96 season as a first team regular, before being dropped and finishing the season with 27 appearances in all competitions, before handing in a transfer request. He played when they beat Manchester United 3–0 at Old Trafford in the League Cup in 1995.

He joined Sunderland for a fee of £50,000 in October 1996, and made over 250 appearances for the team, 108 of which were in the FA Premier League.

The highlight of his career so far was probably when he scored the winning goal for Sunderland at Middlesbrough, his hometown club, in 1997, effectively relegating the Teessiders. Williams was also a part of the 1998 First Division Play-Off defeat at Wembley, in which Sunderland were beaten by Charlton Athletic 7-6 on Penalties after what has once recognised as the best Play Off Final which was an 8-goal thriller ending 4-4 after extra time, this game would go on to be the greatest play-off game at the old Wembley Stadium.

Williams joined Cardiff City on a month-long loan in September 2004, with a view to a permanent move if he impressed. He played in all five of Cardiff's games during his initial loan period and his stay was extended for another two months. After he was told by Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy his contract would not be extended, Williams made his move to Ninian Park permanent in December 2004 on a free transfer.

Williams was offered a new contract by Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence, but when he was replaced by Dave Jones, the offer was withdrawn. Instead he returned to the north-east to join League One side Hartlepool United. While at Hartlepool, Williams played the majority of the first team's games due to the injury of captain Micky Barron, but when Barron returned he was moved to the bench. The team was relegated in his first season at Hartlepool, but helped them earn instant promotion back to League One in 2006–07 as they missed out on the title on the last day of the season.

He was released by Hartlepool in May 2007 and joined Bradford City in July 2007. He was one of six new players who made their debut for City on the opening day of the 2007–08 in a 1–1 draw with Macclesfield Town. Williams lost his place at right back to loan signing Ben Starosta, who replaced Williams at half-time in a game against Wrexham in January 2008. Williams missed seven games until he won his place back against Stockport County when Starosta fell ill. On 29 April 2008, Williams was deemed to be surplus to requirements at Valley Parade and was released by manager Stuart McCall along with 13 other Bradford players.

Williams joined Scottish Football League First Division side Dundee, where his former Sunderland teammate Alex Rae was manager, on trial in July 2008 and played for them in their opening game of the 2008–09 season as they defeated Ross County 2–1. Following another one-goal victory, Williams signed a one-year contract with Dundee. At the end of the 2008–09 season he was told he was free to look for another club by manager Jocky Scott.

Williams was to join Conference National team Gateshead on 28 August 2009, but the deal was called off as he still had hopes of a return to the professional ranks and would have been unable to do so until January, even if joining Gateshead on a non-contract basis. He has since joined the Conference National outfit, penning a deal on 26 September 2009. Williams made his debut the same day in the 1-0 home defeat against Oxford United. Williams was released by Gateshead on 16 February 2010.

He joined Conference North team Gainsborough Trinity on a contract until the end of the 2009–10 season on 12 March. Williams was released in the summer of 2010, only to be re-signed in September. He eventually departed the club for a second time in May 2011.

He joined Whitby Town in August 2011. He made his first appearance for the club on 13 August which the club drew 1-1 with Chasetown F.C.. On 26 October 2011 he succeeded Tommy Cassidy and became player manager of Whitby Town.

He has also represented England at under-21 and B level.

He is a utility defender who can also play defensive midfield.