Swindon Town coach arrested over threats to kill (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Swindon Town coach arrested over threats to kill

11:38am Friday 21st November 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

Swindon Town coach Ady Williams may face a court appearance after his arrest on suspicion of actual bodily harm and threats to kill.

Police have confirmed the 37-year-old reserve team coach was held in custody for 12 hours on Sunday following his arrest at a property in Westlecot Road, Old Town, at 9.45am that morning.

He has since been bailed pending further enquiries and will return to Gablecross police station on December 7.

A spokesman for Swindon Town said: “The directors and senior management of Swindon Town FC are aware of the potential legal proceedings in respect of Ady Williams, the STFC reserve team coach.

“The board will continue to monitor any developments closely and await the outcome of any proceedings before deciding if any further action, on behalf of the club, is required.

“The board wishes to stress that conduct of any sort that could tarnish the reputation of Swindon Town FC, cannot be condoned and nor will it be tolerated.

“The club will be making no further comment at this stage.”

Former Welsh international and father-of-two Williams joined Town in summer 2006, signed by Dennis Wise and was quickly installed as club captain.

Williams made 28 appearances for Swindon and played a key part in their promotion to League One. His playing career spanned 21 years and he made more than 400 appearances.

A brief stint in temporary charge of Town followed when manager Dennis Wise left the club on October 2006 before paving the way for Paul Sturrock's arrival.

Williams found himself in the dug-out once again, as joint manager alongside Dave Byrne, when Sturrock left for Plymouth in November 2007.

Injury plagued the latter part of Williams’ Town career with a knee ligament injury in February 2007 ultimately ending his playing career. After exploratory surgery and knee cruciate reconstruction, Williams’ days as a player were numbered.

When Maurice Malpas arrived as manager in January this year, Williams was given a permanent coaching role at the club and shortly after the tall centre back called time on his playing career. He is now a coach at the County Ground with his main duties including taking charge of reserve team matches.