Walsall FC tribute to a legendary goalkeeper...
WE ARE sad to report the death of legendary goalkeeper, Bert Williams, at the age of 93.Williams, who was awarded an MBE in 2010, was widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers during a glittering career in the game that began here at Walsall FC.
He played for Thompson’s FC in the Local Works League upon leaving school before joining The Saddlers in April 1937.
During the War, Williams saw a lot of the World whilst serving in the RAF and when hostilities ended, he left Fellows Park to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Wolves boss at the time, Ted Vizard, paid a bargain £3,500 fee to secure his services in September 1945 as he went on to develop into one of the club’s best-ever custodians.
Going from strength-to-strength, he massed 449 appearances for the Molineux outfit as well as gaining 24 caps for England, the first of which came in May 1949 against France.
He was England’s goalkeeper at the 1950 World Cup Finals before making his final appearance for his country against Wales in October 1955. It is interesting to note that during his six-year International career, he was only on the losing side in seven matches.
Winning the FA Cup at Wembley in 1949, he added a League Championship medal to his collection in 1954 before calling it a day three years later.
He then became a businessman, running a highly successful Sports Shop in Bilston as well as running Goalkeeping Schools in the local area.
As a youngster, he could run 100 yards in ten seconds flat, but chose to keep goal rather than race on the track and it proved to be a very wise decision!
Maintaining a very active schedule of appearances and fund-raising into his 90s, he attended our game against Tranmere Rovers in April 2012 where he was extremely well-received by everyone here.
He made 28 appearances for Walsall between 1937 and 1939 and is still regarded as one of our finest-ever exports.
The sincere condolences of everyone here at Walsall Football Club go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
Bert Williams RIP