A former Manchester City goalkeeper who suffered horrific racial abuse before retiring through injury at just 25 will be signing copies of his book in Altrincham this weekend.
Alex Williams will be at Waterstones on George Street on Saturday March 2nd, 11am-1pm, on the eve of the Manchester derby.
He made 125 league and cup appearances for City between 1980 and 1986, helping City to promotion from the old second division in 1985.
However, his time as the country’s first modern day black keeper was scarred by racial abuse.
“There was no hiding place from the cowards on the terraces,” he said.
“Bananas were often thrown on to the pitch, but nothing got reported. It was a sign of the times.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said his first experience of racism was as a 12-year-old Everton fan at Goodison Park when a fan held up a burning newspaper in a Ku Klux Klan symbol as Alex ran towards the visiting goal.
Williams retired through injury at 25 and pioneered community football, and Altrincham FC now runs a thriving community scheme thanks to his vision.
“I wanted to come to Altrincham to highlight the vital link between clubs, schools and other organisations. Alty are a prime example of what can be achieved.”
He also spent 33 years with City in the Community before retiring last year, and was awarded an MBE for services to young people in 2002.
Alex Williams will be signing copies of his autobiography You Saw Me Standing Alone at Waterstones Altrincham. Proceeds from the book, priced £15, will go to community football.
