# Jay Williams (footballer)

Jay Williams (born 4 October 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back and defensive midfielder for EFL League Two club Milton Keynes Dons.

## Club career

Williams joined Northampton Town at the age of 13. He made his first-team debut in their EFL Trophy tie against Wycombe Wanderers, featuring for the entire 90 minutes.
He made his league debut in a 5–0 away win to Macclesfield Town coming off of the bench to replace Sam Foley in the 73rd minute. He went on to play a vital part in the rest of that season racking up 14 appearances in total.
In November 2020, Williams signed for National League North club Kettering Town.
On 7 January 2021, Williams signed for League Two side Harrogate Town.
Following on from his release from Harrogate, he dropped down three divisions to sign for Southern Football League Premier Division Central side AFC Rushden & Diamonds. He made the switch to divisional rivals Banbury United in October 2021 and extended his stay in December when he signed a contract until the end of the season. He was part of the team that were crowned champions in the 2021–22 season.
In June 2023, Williams signed for National League North rivals Brackley Town. On 18 July 2023 however, he signed for League Two club Crawley Town on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
On 27 August 2024, Williams injured Brighton midfielder Matt O'Riley with a tackle described in the media as "awful" and a "horror tackle". The Crawley manager Scott Lindsey apologised for Williams's challenge in the post-match press conference.
On 9 January 2025, Williams signed for League Two club Milton Keynes Dons for an undisclosed fee, the move reuniting him with former Crawley Town manager Scott Lindsey, in addition to former teammates Liam Kelly and Laurence Maguire.

## International career

Born in England, Williams is of Kittitian descent. In March 2024, he was called up to the Saint Kitts and Nevis national team for a set of friendlies.

## Career statistics

    As of 9 January 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Northampton Town | 2018–19 | League Two | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Northampton Town | 2019–20 | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Northampton Town | Total | Total | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Harrogate Town | 2020–21 | League Two | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Banbury United | 2022–23 | National League North | 35 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 37 | 4 |
| Crawley Town | 2023–24 | League Two | 40 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 44 | 3 |
| Crawley Town | 2024–25 | League One | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| Crawley Town | Total | Total | 52 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 57 | 3 |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2024–25 | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 104 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 119 | 8 |

## Honours

Harrogate Town
* FA Trophy: 2019–20
Crawley Town
* EFL League Two play-offs: 2024