Darren Williams

After starting his career at York City, Darren Williams spent eight years at Sunderland, making over 200 appearances for the club. On finally leaving the Stadium of Light, Williams spent a short time at Cardiff City before returning to the north-east to sign for Pools in the summer of 2005. A versatile player who can do a job in defense or midfield, Williams was initially signed to strengthen the options at centre-half following the departure of Chris Westwood. However, injury to captain Micky Barron saw Williams begin his Pools career at right-back, and it was in this position that he played the large majority of his games for the club.

After a disappointing relegation campaign, Williams started 2006/07 strongly and was one of the better players during Pools` lacklustre start to the season. Injury cost him his place in the side at just the wrong time, as Micky Barron took over and played in every game of the team`s club record 23-match unbeaten run. When Barron was in turn injured, Williams returned to the side for the last few games as Pools finished second in League Two. He was released in the summer of 2007.