About Owen Williams
Lived 1896 – 1960 (aged 64). Owen Williams was a British association football player.
Playing career Williams was once on the books of Sunderland, but he was allowed to leave the area and so he moved to Manchester United. He failed to settle at that club and so he returned to North East England, where he played non-league football for Easington Colliery Welfare.
At the end of World War I, an interest was shown in him by Clapton Orient, beginning a successful league career. Williams spent five years at Orient, making over 160 appearances. At Orient, he also earned two England international caps, in games against Northern Ireland and Wales. This made him the side's first international footballer and, along with John Townrow, shares the Orient record for most England national team appearances, both with just two.
In February 1924 he signed for Middlesbrough, making his debut three days later against West Bromwich Albion. At the end of that season, Middlesbrough were relegated, but Williams stayed. In Williams' first full season at Boro' he joint top scored with Ian Dickson with seven goals each.
Owen Williams became a member of the famous forward line that won the Second Division championship in 1926–27: Billy Birrell, Billy Pease, George Camsell, Jacky Carr and Williams.
At the end of the 1929–30 season, following another relegation and promotion, he was transfer listed and moved to Southend United for £250 in August.
After just over a year, and only four goals in sixteen appearances, he moved on again, this time to Shildon.
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Important facts
People in Owen Williams's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Owen Williams's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Owen Williams?
English footballer (1896-1960)
When was Owen Williams born?
Owen Williams was born on 23 September 1896 in Ryhope.
When did Owen Williams die?
Owen Williams died on 9 December 1960.
What was Owen Williams's occupation?
Owen Williams was an association football player.
What nationality was Owen Williams?
Owen Williams was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Owen Williams (footballer, born 1896)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Owen Williams. https://biography.guide/owen-williams-association-football-player/
MLA: "Owen Williams." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/owen-williams-association-football-player/.
Chicago: "Owen Williams." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/owen-williams-association-football-player/.
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