Evan Williams, the former goalkeeper who earned his place in Celtic’s storied history, has passed away at the age of 81. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter for both the football community and Celtic FC, where Williams made a lasting impact on the pitch during a career that spanned several decades.
Born in 1943 in Glasgow, Williams made his mark in Scottish football as a reliable and talented goalkeeper. He joined Celtic in 1961, making his debut in the 1960s when the club was undergoing a major transformation. The 1960s would later be seen as a golden era for Celtic, culminating in the iconic European Cup triumph of 1967. However, it was during the early part of this decade that Williams began to carve out his reputation.
Although he was never the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Celtic, Williams provided dependable backup and was a key figure in the squad. He served as an understudy to Celtic legends such as Ronnie Simpson, but his contributions in various matches helped maintain the team’s competitiveness during that period. Williams’ consistent performances in goal were particularly important during times when injuries or suspensions required rotation. He demonstrated an admirable work ethic and professionalism, always ready to step up when called upon.
In his time at Celtic, Williams played for a club that would go on to become one of the most successful teams in Europe. Though he didn’t get as many appearances as he might have hoped, he was part of a squad that achieved incredible successes, including domestic league titles and cup triumphs.
Williams also had a distinguished career with the Scottish national team, representing his country on the international stage. He earned several caps for Scotland during the 1960s and early 1970s, competing against some of Europe’s best strikers.
After leaving Celtic in 1972, Williams played for various other clubs, including a stint at Falkirk FC. He continued to showcase his talents in goal, gaining recognition and respect throughout his career. His time at Falkirk was one of the most memorable phases of his post-Celtic career, where he continued to show his ability as one of Scotland’s most experienced goalkeepers.
Following his retirement, Williams remained involved in football as a coach and mentor, offering guidance to young goalkeepers who aspired to follow in his footsteps. He was widely respected for his knowledge of the game, especially in the art of goalkeeping, and his wisdom was passed on to the next generation of players.
Evan Williams will be remembered not just for his performances on the field, but for his character, his professionalism, and his love for Celtic Football Club. His passing at the age of 81 is a sad moment for Celtic fans and the broader footballing community, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure through the many lives he touched both in and outside of the game.
The thoughts of the Celtic family are with Evan Williams’ family and friends during this difficult time. He may no longer be with us, but his name will always remain etched in the annals of Celtic history.
