Detroit City Wire

Today, Detroit City Football Club announced that English midfielder Ryan Williams has rejoined the team on a one-year contract. Williams is currently with the squad in Detroit and is set to be available for selection in Saturday’s home opener at Keyworth Stadium against Birmingham Legion FC. He will don jersey number 39 for the season.

Williams initially joined Detroit City FC last season and became an integral part of the 2024 squad, which secured third place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, he participated in 23 matches and started 11 times. Notably, Williams ranked among the top five on his team for pass accuracy at 82.2% and served as a dedicated dead-ball specialist when on the field.

Born in Birkenhead, England, Williams brings over ten years of professional football experience to Detroit City FC. His career began at age 17 after graduating from Chester City's youth academy. He debuted with Chester City's first team during a transfer embargo in the 2008–09 season but was sidelined by an injury during his debut match.

Williams played in Welsh football from late 2009 until mid-2013, representing Colwyn Bay, Llandudno (on loan), and Rhyl. During this period, he earned spots on the Cymru Alliance Team of the Year twice.

In January 2013, Williams joined Morecambe FC of League Two and made over 60 appearances over two-and-a-half years with them. His performance led to a contract with Brentford FC in the Championship; however, he only appeared once before leaving.

Subsequently, Williams had spells with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scotland's Premiership, Paysandu in Brazil's Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, and Tranmere Rovers back in League Two.

During these periods between clubs, Williams also signed with Ottawa Fury of North America's Soccer League before they joined USL Championship for their 2017 season. In that year alone, he made 20 appearances and scored five goals for Ottawa while being named Fans’ Player of the Year in 2016. Later on, he returned to USL Championship play by joining Hartford Athletic in 2019.