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For the other, former, Welsh footballer, see Marc Lloyd Williams. For other people, see Mark Williams (disambiguation) and Marcus Williams (disambiguation).

Marc Richard Williams (born 27 July 1988) is a Welsh, former professional, and now part-time footballer who plays as a forward for Llandudno.

Early Life

Williams, and his older brother Mike, grew up in Penmaenmawr and both aspired to be professional footballers.[1]

Club career

Wrexham

Williams came through the youth system at Wrexham after joining the club at the age of eight[2] and after making his way through the club’s youth teams, left school at 15 and joined the club on the Youth Training Scheme.[3] He made his first-team debut at the age of 17[3] in January 2006 against Rushden & Diamonds,[4][5] in which he and his brother became the seventh pair of brothers to represent Wrexham.[6] Williams signed a new contract with Wrexham in summer of 2006[7] and made 17 league and cup appearances for Wrexham in the 2006–07 season.[8] He made a further 23 league and cup appearances in the 2007–08 season as Wrexham were relegated from the Football League.[9]

Williams contributed to Wrexham’s bid to return to the Football League with 15 goals (13 league and two cup) including a hat trick against Eastbourne Borough on 20 December 2008.[10] However, on 28 February 2009, he suffered a broken foot in a match against Salisbury City, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.[11] After injury disrupted the majority of Williams’ 2009–10 season (including breaking his foot again[2]), he was handed a six-month deal to prove his fitness.[12]

Kidderminster Harriers

However, with the arrival of Andy Morrell, he found himself out of favour at Chester and instead joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan in August 2010[13], again joining up with his brother.[14] He scored on his debut in a 4–3 defeat to Southport.[15]

In May 2011 he completed a permanent move to the Harriers.[16] During his time at the club he fell out with the manager.[2] He was released by the club in February 2012.[17]

Chester

He signed for Chester[18] on 20 February 2012 on a deal which took him to the end of the season, as a part-time footballer.[19] He scored his first two goals for Chester in the 3–2 victory over Bradford Park Avenue both before half time.[20] He added his third Chester goal in the 2–0 victory at Chorley. In the club’s final league game of the season he opened the scoring in a 4–0 win over Marine.[21] At the end of the 2012 season, he signed a one year professional contract with Chester.[22][23]

He was released by the club on 22 May 2013 after he was not offered a new contract. Marc said he was ‘shocked and massively disappointed’ after not being offered new terms. He returned to the club in the summer. However, after making just one league start and a further appearance from the bench, he left the club by mutual consent in September seeking first-team football.[24] He left Chester with 14 goals and 60 appearances in all competitions within one and half seasons.

Northwich Victoria

He spent a short, productive spell with Northwich Victoria signing in September 2013 and departing the following month.

Colwyn Bay

He then joined Colwyn Bay in October 2013. He won the manager’s Player of the Season award at the club’s presentations night for that season, and renewed his contract with the club in June 2014.[25]

Career in the Welsh football system

In 2015 Williams joined Welsh Premier League side Llandudno[26], helping them to a top three finish in their first season in the division and was named Welsh Premier League player of the season.[27] In April 2018 he was told he was being released by the club.[28]

He moved to Bangor City in June 2018[29][30] before joining Welsh Premier League club Aberystwyth Town in January 2019.[31] In 2018–19, he scored four goals in ten games for Aberystwyth.

On 10 May 2019, Aberystwyth confirmed Williams had committed for the 2019–20 season along with Portuguese midfielder Paulo Mendes.[32] Williams was appointed captain of Aberystwyth Town for the 2019–20 season[33] and scored two goals on the opening day in a 3–2 win against rivals Carmarthen Town. In June 2020, Williams signed a new one-year contract with Aberystwyth keeping him at the club for the 2020–21 season.[34]

In June 2021, Williams returned to Llandudno.[35][36] before leaving the club in 2023.[37] He then moved to Caernarfon Town[38] and played in European competition for the club, scoring the winning penalty in the UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round.[39] Shortly after he retired.[19]

In January 2026 he came out of retirement to join Llandudno for a third spell[40][41] and played a key role in the second-half of the season as the club finished champions of the Cymru North and gained promotion to the Cymru Premier for the 2026–27 season.[42]

International career

Williams played for the Wales Under-17 team including in the 2004–05 European Championship, where he scored the winner in a match against Armenia.[43] Despite being undeated in the group stage, they failed to qualify for the Elite stage of the competition. He then also played for Wales at Under-19 level.

In February 2006, he made his debut for the Wales Under-21 side against Northern Ireland Under-21.[44] As his brother also made his Wales Under-21 debut in the same match, they became the first brothers to make their debut appearances for Wales in the same game.[45]

He scored two goals in his next game for the Welsh Under-21 side against Israel Under-21 in August 2006.[46]

Personal life

Williams has two older brothers and a sister, and a daughter.[19]

He has spoken his long-term battle with gambling addiction. In November 2018 he joined a Gamblers Anonymous support group and from the age of 30[19] entered counselling.[3] He has since undertaken mentoring and training roles for a national education and gambling awareness programme[47][48] and now has a career in raising awareness of gambling issues in the sporting sector.[49][50][19]

He is a Manchester United supporter.[1][2]

Career statistics

As of 8 October 2015
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Wrexham 2005–06 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
2006–07 16 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 1
2007–08 20 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 23 3
2008–09 22 13 0 0 0 0 1 0 23 13
2009–10 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
2010–11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Total 80 17 3 0 2 0 1 0 86 17
Kidderminster Harriers (Loan) 2010–11 16 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 2
Kidderminster Harriers 2011–12 22 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 2
Chester 2011–12 12 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4
2012–13 36 6 4 1 0 0 6 3 46 10
2013–14 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 50 10 4 1 0 0 6 3 60 14
Northwich Victoria 2013–14 7 5 1 0 0 0 2 1 10 6
Colwyn Bay 2013–14 28 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 8
2014–15 33 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 36 7
Total 61 14 3 1 0 0 0 0 64 15
Llandudno 2015–16 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 5
Career total 245 55 11 2 2 0 9 4 267 61

Honours

Club

Chester

Llandudno

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b “The Big Interview: Marc Williams”. AFE Football News. 9 December 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d “Llandudno FC Podcast – Marc Williams”. You Tube. Llandudno FC. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  3. ^ a b c “Oddi ar y Cae: Marc Williams – gamblo”. Facebook. Sgorio. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  4. ^ “Games played by Marc Williams in 2005/2006”. Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  5. ^ “Rushden 0–2 Wrexham”. BBC Sport. 14 January 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  6. ^ “Marc Williams”. Team profiles. Wrexham FC. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  7. ^ “Smith excited by Wrexham signings”. BBC Sport. 5 July 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  8. ^ “Games played by Marc Williams in 2006/2007”. Soccerbase. Racing Post. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  9. ^ “Wrexham go out of Football League”. BBC Sport. 22 April 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  10. ^ “Wrexham 5-0 Eastbourne”. BBC Sport. 20 December 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  11. ^ “Williams injury blow hits Wrexham”. BBC Sport. 2 March 2009. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  12. ^ “Fit-again Marc Williams excited by new Wrexham FC arrivals”. Daily Post. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  13. ^ Finch, Hannah (22 March 2013). “Wrexham striker Marc off to Harriers”. Wales Online. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  14. ^ “Wrexham striker Marc Williams joins Kidderminster”. BBC Sport. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  15. ^ “Kidderminster 3-4 Southport”. BBC Sport. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  16. ^ “Marc Williams’ fresh start at Harriers”. Express & Star. 23 May 2011. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  17. ^ “Marc Williams is released by Harriers”. Express & Star. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  18. ^ Wheelock, Paul. “Chester FC: Blues agree deal to sign former Wrexham striker Marc Williams”. Cheshire Live. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  19. ^ a b c d e “Marc Williams – Rewriting the Script After Football” (Podcast). Apple Podcasts. Athlete Transition Accelerator. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  20. ^ Whiting, Ian (18 March 2012). “Avenue’s late rally is not enough at leaders Chester”. Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  21. ^ McMillan, Dave (22 April 2012). “Chester 4-0 Marine”. Marine FC. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  22. ^ “Blues complete signing of Marc Williams”. Chester FC. 21 February 2012. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
  23. ^ Wheelock, Paul (22 May 2012). “Chester FC: New signing, three new contracts and four released in busy Blues week”. Cheshire Live. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  24. ^ “Chester: Marc Williams leaves Conference Premier club”. BBC Sport. 9 September 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  25. ^ “Colwyn Bay FC: Marc Williams signs for the Seagulls”. Daily Post. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  26. ^ Thornley, Ben (14 June 2015). “Ex-Wrexham FC striker Marc Williams joins Llandudno FC”. Daily Post. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  27. ^ a b “2015/16 Dafabet Annual Awards”. Welsh Premier League. 5 June 2016. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  28. ^ Jones, Dave (23 April 2018). “Marc Williams to leave Llandudno FC”. Daily Post. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  29. ^ Jones, Dave (22 June 2018). “Former Llandudno striker Williams joins Bangor City”. Daily Post. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  30. ^ Davies, Nick (21 June 2018). “Bangor snap up former Llandudno ace Marc Williams”. Y Clwb Pef-Droed. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  31. ^ Pritchard, Tom (30 January 2019). “Williams departs Citizens to link up with Black and Greens”. Y Clwb Pel-Droed. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
  32. ^ “Former Aber stars rejoin the Seasiders”. Cambrian News. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
  33. ^ “Coronavirus: Marc Williams pleased with NHS fundraiser response”. BBC Sport. 19 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  34. ^ “Willo Remains in Black and Green”. Aberystwyth Town Football Club.
  35. ^ “New Signing – Marc Williams”. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021.
  36. ^ “Llandudno FC confirms signing of forward Marc Williams”. North Wales Pioneer. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  37. ^ Jones, Dave (5 July 2023). “Another crippling blow for Llandudno FC after manager Sean Eardley resigns”. Grassroots North Wales. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  38. ^ “Former Wrexham star Marc reflects on the highs and lows”. The Leader. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  39. ^ Jones, Dave (17 July 2024). “Unbelievable drama as Caernarfon Town win an intense European tie on penalties”. Grassroots North Wales. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  40. ^ “JD Cymru Leagues winter transfer tracker – 2025/26”. Football Association of Wales. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  41. ^ “Marc Williams rejoins the Seasiders!”. Llandudno FC. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  42. ^ “Llandudno clinch JD Cymru North title”. Football Association of Wales. 6 April 2026. Retrieved 8 April 2026.
  43. ^ “Turkey triumph in Group 9”. UEFA. 23 October 2004. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  44. ^ “Wales U21 0–1 N Ireland U21”. BBC Sport. 26 February 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  45. ^ Walker, Paul (2 March 2006). “Williams brothers make historic Wales debut”. The Independent. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  46. ^ “Israel U21 3–2 Wales U21”. BBC Sport. 16 August 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2008.
  47. ^ “‘It was difficult to put on a brave face’ -Marc Williams opens up on gambling addiction and how he’s now helping others facing same battle”. AFE Football News. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  48. ^ “Ex Wrexham striker Marc Williams opens up on gambling addiction”. The Leader. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  49. ^ Gallan, Daniel (23 May 2023). “Gambling addiction: Why elite sportspeople are especially vulnerable”. BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  50. ^ “EPIC hire ex-professional footballer Marc Williams”. EPIC Global Solutions. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  51. ^ “Resurgent Chester promoted for second successive season”. BBC Sport. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  52. ^ “Chester FC: Reborn club win third straight promotion”. BBC Sport. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  53. ^ Vranic, Marko (7 April 2026). “Llandudno FC crowned Cymru North champions after victory”. North Wales Pioneer. Retrieved 14 April 2026.
  54. ^ Sam Williams. “Players Recognised In WPL Team Of The Year”. Llandudno F.C. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  55. ^ Harrison, Nick (25 July 2024). “Legia Warsaw clash is next for Caernarfon and ex-Red Marc”. The Leader. Retrieved 14 April 2026.