Steve Williams

Steven Charles Williams (born 12 July 1958) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

He began his playing career with Southampton in 1976. Williams joined Arsenal in 1984 and spent four years with the club. In 1988, he signed for Luton Town. He also had a spell with Exeter City before he ended his career at Derry City.

In the 1978–79 season, he was an ever-present in Saints' run to the 1979 League Cup final which they lost 3–2 to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest. He succeeded Alan Ball as team captain and led The Saints to an FA Cup semi-final and to runners-up position in the 1983–84 First Division.

The following season, manager Lawrie McMenemy was becoming disillusioned with Southampton, feeling that he had taken the club as far as he could and this disillusionment spread to several senior players including Williams, leading to a transfer request. In all, he played 349 times for Southampton, scoring 27 goals.

Arsenal In December 1984 Williams moved to his boyhood club Arsenal for £550,000. After making his debut in a North London derby match against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 January 1985, Williams was a regular for the remainder of the season.

By the time he had recovered, George Graham had taken over as Arsenal manager, and initially Williams thrived, playing on the right hand side of midfield, alongside a young David Rocastle. Unable to reclaim his place in the side, Williams fell out with Graham.

Later career

In July 1988, Williams moved to Luton Town, where he spent three seasons at Luton, before finishing his career at Exeter City, where he was also assistant manager to his former Southampton colleague, Alan Ball. He also won six caps for England, his debut coming against Australia on 12 June 1983.

After football After retiring from football, he went into the magazine publishing business in Exeter.