Like everyone here at ACSOM I was saddened to hear of the passing of Evan Williams this week at the age of 81.
Though I never had the privilege of seeing him play for Celtic in person, my dad who attended every Celtic game in those days, educated me on what a superb goalkeeper Evan Williams was.
Meeting Evan Williams
Later, as a young adult, I had the honour of meeting the man on a few occasions during his time as a matchday host at Celtic Parks hospitality areas.
Aside from being someone I hugely admired, as an aspiring goalkeeper myself in my youth, I’m also happy to say that, footballing ability aside, he was also a really friendly, genuine and humble human being.
The first time my dad introduced me to him, Williams himself joked that he was impressed because most of the people in the room had no idea who he was.
I seriously doubt that was true, but his humility and humour instantly appealed to me. The short time we had in his company was a genuine pleasure and a privilege.
So today, let’s take some time out from our usual Celtic news an analysis to honour a Celtic great, and one who perhaps doesn’t quite get the credit he deserves from some quarters.
Humble Beginnings
Born Samuel Evan Williams in Dumbarton in 1943, Williams was a fanatical Celtic fan from the start. A promising goalkeeper from a very young age, he finally made his first league appearances as a 20-year-old trialist for East Fife. Despite only playing 2 games, his performances must have made an impression, as he was quickly snapped up by Third Lanark for the following season, 1963-64.
He enjoyed two successful seasons at Cathkin Park, before earning a move to English side Wolves in 1966.
Celtic Make Their Move
Following a loan spell at Aston Villa, Williams surprisingly joined Celtic in October of 1969. He had the unenviable task of filling the gloves of the great Ronnie Simpson, a Lisbon Lion whom many fans considered irreplaceable.
Williams made his debut on December 1st 1969, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over St. Mirren. From that moment on, he was our first choice keeper and went on to win 4 league titles. It is no exaggeration to say that Evan Williams was an instrumental part of the squad that, collectively would go on to claim a record 9 league titles in a row.
A Lone Hero on A Night of European Despair
It is a cruel irony that perhaps Williams’ best game in a Celtic jersey came on one of the most disappointing nights in the club’s history.
Having eliminated Don Revie’s Leeds Utd in the semi-finals, Celtic were, unlike their previous European Cup final in 1967, considered the favorites against Feyenoord.
Although history shows we only lost 2-1 on the night, after extra time, those who remember will tell you that Feyenoord, who counted future Celtic manager Wim Jansen amongst their midfield that night, vastly outplayed Celtic.
Were it not for Williams making a string of world class saves that night, Celtic could well have been humiliated.
To quote Davie Hay, who was Celtic’s right back on that fateful night in Milan: “Evan was by far our best player against Feyenoord”.
Domestic Dominance
Despite the disappointment, Williams continued as Celtic’s first choice keep for the next three years, winning league championship medals in 1970, 71 and 72.
It is perhaps indicative of his deep love for Celtic that Williams often reserved his best performances for games against Rangers.
Of particular note was his superb display in the 1971 Scottish Cup Final replay. Williams was dominant in the Celtic goal as they hoops ran out eventual 2-1 winners.
End of an Era
The arrival of Ally Hunter in early 1973 would eventually lead to Williams losing his first team spot at Celtic. By the time he left the club in summer 1974, he had 4 League Championships and 2 Scottish Cup Winners medals to his name. Williams also boasted an impressive clean sheet rate of 40%.
Bear in mind, this was at a time when Scottish football was far more competitive than it is now.
He played on for a time with Clyde, Stranraer and briefly Falkirk before retiring from the game.
Post-Playing Career
Williams managed his former junior club Vale of Leven for a time, and also served as Harry Hood’s assistant at Albion Rovers. However, his final contribution to the Scottish game came in 2001. He took charge of Ayrshire Junior side Ardeer Thistle, who were teetering on bankruptcy at the time and led the club to a new era of stability. His work complete, Williams finally retired from management in 2003.
Thereafter he would still make occasional appearances at Celtic Park throughout the 2000s as one of several former players acting as matchday hosts for visitors to the stadium’s hospitality areas.
Evan Williams passed away on February 20th 2025. We at ACSOM would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this Celtic hero.