WILLIAMS, Mark Stuart
Defender;6', 13st.
b. 28.9.70, Stalybridge.
Northern Ireland international: 25 apps, 1 goal.

Clubs:
Crewe Alexandra: trainee, 8.87
Newtown ; 8.89.
Shrewsbury Town: 3.92. 96+7 FL apps, 3 goals
CHESTERFIELD: £47,000, 8.95. 168 FL apps, 12 goals.
FAC: 13-1;FLC: 10;AMC: 7-1.
Watford: free, 7.99. 20+2apps, 1 goal.
Wimbledon: free, 8.2000. 69+1 FL apps, 8 goals.
Stoke City: loan, 3.03. 5+1 FL apps.
Columbus Crew (USA): 8.03.
Milton Keynes Dons: 2.04. 11 FL apps.

"Bomber" proved to be an absolute steal on John Duncan's part, becoming the rock on which Chesterfield planted an impressive defence.He never looked to be anything less that wholeheartedly committed to the cause: he was mightily strong in the tackle and in the air, and clearly relished physical battles against bustling opponents.He was occasionally caught out by a quick change of pace - name a lower-division centre-half who can't - but proved to be an inspiring and hugely effective member of the team.Going forward, he posed a considerable threat in the air, in attempting to score himself, or flicking the ball on, and, with a powerful shot, he wasn't averse to having a pot at a free-kick from distance.

Mark was named the Supporters' Club player of the year for '97-8.His good form upon return from injury in October 1998 brought him to the attention of Lawrie McMenemy, the Northern Ireland manager, who considered exploiting the Irish ancestry of Mark's mother in order to give him an international call-up.Bomber made his full international debut against Germany at Windsor Park on March 27th., 1999.He thus became the first Chesterfield player to make his full international debut while on the club's books.After winning four caps, and equalling Walter McMillen's club record for most caps as a Spireite, Mark exercised his right to a move under the "Bosman" ruling and left for Watford, newly promoted to the Premiership, despite having been offered four different improved contracts by the Spireites.

Mark's Premiership adventure lasted one season and ended in relegation at Watford, whereupon he moved to Wimbledon. He remains there (or, rather, he went up the M1 with the rest of them) but has had his time there punctuated with a loan at Stoke and a season in the NSL with Columbus Crew. Mark thus became the only bloke to play for Crewe in the UK and Crew in the USA!