End of an era as Williams confirms departure from Newtown

The 35 year old defender departs his hometown club as one of the modern day greats having helped the Robins to Europe on three occassions.

Williams came through the Robins youth system making is debut as a young 16 year old and going on to break the Robins record appearance record with 464 matches under his belt.

Craig Williams in action for Newtown. 

Williams will remain at the club as head of the academy while continuing his playing career elsewhere.

Williams said: "I have made the incredibly tough decision after 16 seasons to leave the club. This decision has not been an easy one to make as Newtown is my hometown club and somewhere I have called home for such a long period of time.

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"However, I feel now is the right time to move on in search of regular first team football - I feel I have lots to offer as a player moving forwards and this change will allow me to maximise my playing time."

Hughes paid tribute to manager Chris Hughes and the Latham Park bootroom for their support over the years.

Craig Williams leads Newtown out against Valletta at Latham Park.

"I want to place on record my thanks to Chris, Callum McKenzie, Dave Rose and the many other coaches, physios and support staff that have been a huge part of my Newtown journey.

"We have achieved amazing things together for the club - three European journeys, a Welsh Cup final and countless other special moments along the way, none of which would have been possible without them."

Williams said playing for the club had been a childhood dream.

"This club has been a massive part of my life both in and outside of football," said Williams. "I will always cherish the memories I have been lucky enough to make here.

"Growing up I dreamed of one day playing for Newtown, to achieve that was special, everything else on top has just been incredible.

"To the players I have been lucky enough to share a dressing room with - thank you. I have made friends for life playing here and the good times we shared will always stay with me."

Williams also paid tribute to the Latham Park faithful and volunteers for their support since breaking into the first team.

He joined Aberystwyth Town in 2010 but returned to Latham Park in 2012.

"Thank you to the supporters and volunteers who have supported me and the club over the years through good times and the bad, " he said. "We have shared some special moments together and I will always be thankful for your support."

Craig Williams in action against Aberystwyth Town in 2018.

Williams will continue his playing career elsewhere and the veteran insisted it represented the start of a new chapter in his career.

He said: "I am excited to look ahead to this new chapter in my football career but I will always have a special place in my heart for Newtown Football Club."

Newtown manager Chris Hughes described Williams as "a brilliant captain."

"Craig is Mr Newtown." said Hughes. "He represents everything that is good about our club.

"It has been a tough decision for both of us but he has remained as ever a professional which is a testament to him.

"He has been a brilliant captain and someone I can rely on.

"He has been on of the league's best right backs but now has a huge part to play at the club with his academy role, bringing through the next generations of Robins stars."

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