Walsall’s Harry Williams: ‘Fearless’ Player Forced to Heed Medical Advice After Head Injury

Walsall defender Harry Williams, praised by manager Mat Sadler as a “fearless” contributor to the team’s ascent to the top of the League Two table this season, had maintained a perfect attendance record since his first league start in early September. However, Williams himself conceded that he had to be sidelined for four games after sustaining a severe head injury in early November. The 22-year-old former West Bromwich Albion academy centre-back experienced a seizure subsequent to a concussion sustained during the 2-1 FA Cup first-round victory against Bolton Wanderers on 2 November. He remained out of action until the second-round 4-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic. Manager Sadler was keen to avoid rushing Williams’ return until his readiness was confirmed, a cautious approach that Williams, despite his reluctance, endorsed. Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Williams recounted, “I’ve had concussions before, but this was a nasty one. So we had to take our time. I was knocked out and I had a seizure. I had to listen to the doctor and the physios to make sure I was right to come back.” He further described his playing style, stating, “I’m a no-nonsense type of player who likes to get his body in the way. That doubt was never there but it was a case of coming back into it and making sure I was all right with the pace. You have a couple of weeks off and you risk losing that sharpness.” Harry Williams joined Bescot from non-league club Alvechurch in June 2023. The significant cup elimination by Charlton marked the second instance this season that the Saddlers had been defeated by a four-goal margin at home, the first being a 6-2 loss to Charlie Adam’s Fleetwood in early October. Following that earlier setback, they embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run leading up to the Charlton match. Since the Charlton defeat, the team has achieved three consecutive league victories and secured an additional win against Reading, decided by penalties, in the Vertu Trophy. Given that former leaders Port Vale have not secured a win in their last four matches, including a 1-0 home loss to Walsall, the Saddlers now hold a four-point advantage as they approach the festive fixtures. They are guaranteed to be at the top of the league by Christmas, regardless of the outcome of their Saturday game at Harrogate. The team is currently seven points ahead of fourth place and has recorded more clean sheets this season than in the entire 2023-24 campaign. Williams, who was signed by Walsall from non-league Alvechurch just 18 months prior, remarked, “That is massive. Keep a clean sheet and you’re getting a result. Having lost to Charlton, it’s been a great reaction from us in the four games since. Going into Christmas being top of the league is testament to ourselves. It’s nice position to be in but it’s a busy period of games coming up.” Walsall’s Harry Williams was interviewed by Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM.