Long-Serving Community Officer Starts Retirement
“He’s a legend here, simple as that,” he said.“Brian actually coached me back in 1992 in one of my first holiday soccer schools as a 9-year-old boy. 25 years coaching community football is not as easy as some people may think.
“I personally have learnt a lot from Brian over the past 18 months, his experience has been invaluable at times and his personality and stories from the past will be missed by all the staff.
“The achievement of working in professional football for so long speaks for itself and something our young members of staff can look to aspire to.
“We are honoured that Brian has agreed to become an ambassador for Shrewsbury Town in the Community and we look forward to seeing him around Greenhous Meadow in the future as he enjoys his deserved retirement.”
Shrewsbury Town in the Community manager Jamie Edwards, who was taught by Brian back in Hereford, confirmed just how much Brian will be missed.
“I’m going to look after my granddaughter to help my daughter out,” said Brian when discussing his retirement plans.
“I have three grand daughters, Sienna, 9, Poppy, 3 and Sadie, 9 months, so I’m going to be looking after them.
"It’s going to be tiring but I’m looking forward to seeing my grandkids grow up.
“I’m hoping to keep fit and keep my eye in at the football club and do a bit of walking football too.
“I will miss being in contact with all these young up and coming stars. I love the club. I love being involved in football.
"I’ve lived in Shrewsbury since 1987 and been part of Shrewsbury Town in the Community since 1999. I’m very proud to still be running around and having a kickabout.
“The club and the community programme have changed a lot and it’s building up a big reputation.
"Hopefully, since I’ve been here, it’s grown and will keep growing. I can’t make it any bigger at the moment. I wish the staff here, new and old, the very best of luck.
“I take pride when these young kids make it into the academies and advanced development centre and then into our youth teams.
“Shrewsbury Town is a club forever in my heart.”
After a successful time down the A49, Brian made the move back to Shrewsbury where he would become community officer up until mid December.
Having been brought in by Ian McNeil, Brian made the transformation from player to youth team manager before taking up a position in Hereford United's community department.
Brian joined Shrewsbury as a player in 1987 having had a successful career at clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Swindon, Bury and both Bristol sides, something rarely seen even by today’s standards.
Former Shrewsbury Town player, and more recently community officer, Brian Williams has said his farewell to staff as he starts his retirement.