Tommy was born in Scotland but raised in Leicester. He often had to call on his reserves of native grit. This helped him through a lengthy Leicester spell. He was one of the club’s most versatile yet most ill-fated players.
He was pitched into the senior game during the 1977-78 relegation struggle. During the first few months as a first team player, he was asked to play in central defence. He also played as full-back and in midfield.
Tommy responded with boundless enthusiasm and no little skill. He established himself as a regular utility player under Jock Wallace. Eventually, he settled into the right-back role.
Having experienced a Second Division championship and a second relegation term, Tommy was at the heart of the City’s bid to secure a promotion and cup double in 1982, when he suffered a broken leg during the Villa Park semi-final against Spurs. The cost to the club was inestimable as both targets disappeared in his absence. Worse, however, was to follow. After a comeback of just four games, Tommy broke the same leg in training. He faced another gruelling period of recovery.
It was characteristics that he bounced back into First Division football with full-blooded fervour. His efforts in the centre-back role in 1984-85 did much to secure Leicester’s continued top flight status. Despite Tommy’s move to St. Andrews and Birmingham City, he enjoyed a deservedly profitable testimonial at Filbert Street in December 1986. Leicester’s present team met a team of former Leicester stars.
He continued play at Birmingham until 1988, moving to Grimsby for his final years in the game. He retired from professional football in 1991, returning to Leicester with a new career joining the police.
FACTFILE:
- Full Name: Thomas Edward Williams
- Position: Defender
- Date of Birth: 18.12.1957
- Birthplace: Winchburg, West Lothian
- Nation: Scotland
- Caps / Goals: – / –
- Major League Career:
- 1975-86, Leicester City (241/10)
- 1986-88, Birmingham City (62/1)
- 1988-91, Grimsby Town (20/0)
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