Exclusive: Shaun Williams promises to return to The Den as a Millwall fan and admits emotions got to him after final appearance for South London club
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Shaun Williams has admitted he struggled to keep his emotions in check after he made his final appearance in a Millwall shirt.
The 34-year-old former Republic of Ireland international is leaving the Den outfit this summer and played his 295th game for the Lions in Saturday’s 6-1 loss at Coventry City that wrapped up the 2020-21 campaign.
Dublin-born Williams had previously stated his desire to end his playing days with the South Londoners but the final chapter in an impressive career will take place away from SE16.
“It was going to come to an end eventually but it is hard to leave,” he said.
“In an ideal world I’d have been happy to retire here, if it had maybe been one more year – but that’s not my decision.
“Saturday and Sunday were quite emotional days. I was fine until I was walking off the pitch and then it just hit me. It wasn’t nice viewing, I would imagine, in the dressing room afterwards.
“I didn’t even cry at my wedding. I didn’t think I’d get like that but emotion got the better of me.
“Jeez, I’ve got nothing but good words to say about my time here. I’ve met some unbelievable people who will be friends for life – not just players but staff members as well.
“When I first came I never imagined I would be here that long. I’ve had my two kids while I’ve been here, so all they know is Millwall.”
Williams was 27 when he made the switch from Milton Keynes to the Den in January 2014. The Buckinghamshire club opted to cash in before his contract expired at the end of that season.
Ian Holloway was in charge of the Lions at the time.
“He sold it to me,” recalls Williams. “I had a choice of Brighton or Millwall and the conversation I had with him alone was enough to make me want to come and play for him and the club.
“He made me feel 10-feet tall, more so than the other options I had. It was also the lure and history of the club and the fanbase, how passionate and hard-working everyone is, that just swung it in their favour for me to come.
“Originally I signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the option of another year. To continue on for seven-and-a-half years was unbelievable. I don’t think many people do that nowadays.”
Williams’ title had shifted to player-coach in August and he is doing his UEFA A license course.
“I still feel as fit as ever and you are a long time retired,” said Williams. “I couldn’t put a timeframe on how long I will play for. As long as I feel alright then I’ll play. I’ll play for the love of the game.
“I’ll take it as it comes now. I’ve had a bit of interest so far but it is a bit early to decide on what to do. I’ll weigh up the options – whatever is best for me and my family – and we’ll take it from there. I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has prevented Williams from getting the send off he deserves from Millwall supporters.
Asked if he would come back next season for them to pay their respects for his lengthy service, he replied: “ If that was put on it would be lovely.
“I’ll definitely come back to watch the games anyway, because I’ve grown that fond of the club that I’d be classed as a supporter.”
Williams has his shirt and winners’ medal from the 2017 League One play-off final framed on a wall in his house. He picks Neil Harris as the best boss he worked under at Millwall.
“I don’t want to disrespect anyone but he was the one who probably got the most out of me,” said Williams. “We had unbelievable success and I played 200 games for him. He got us back to being a hard-to-beat team, a winning team that was hungry.
“We all had that same drive for promotion. Unfortunately we didn’t get it that first season but luckily enough we did in the second.
“The play-off was an unbelievable experience, to do it in front of such a big crowd – and the way we did it as well.
“We got in the play-offs on the last day with Shaun Hutchinson’s header at Bristol [Rovers]. When we won that [4-3] to get in the play-offs I knew we weren’t going to get beaten.
“The winner at Wembley was late in the game. It was quite iconic that Moro [Steve Morison] was the one who scored the goal.
“I’ve still got the programme and my little lad gets it out every now and then. I still have the boots. I only wore them in the play-offs. They are in the garage.
“I got new boots for the semis and the final. After the final was over they were so tight on my feet that I said: ‘I’ll never wear these again’. There is still a bit of Wembley muck on them.
“The FA Cup runs that we had were a nice distraction, really good as well.”
There have been more highs than lows for Williams with the Lions.
One setback was being sent off at Coventry in April 2016 and losing his starting berth for the play-offs, only coming on as a substitute in the final.
“That’s a moment I definitely regret,” said Williams. “And also the game on Saturday, I never imagined going out after such a heavy defeat. That was a bit of a dampener.”
His bond and success with Millwall makes you wonder if Williams will be back once he does hang up his boots?
“I’d love to,” he replied. “I was involved on the coaching side this season and really enjoyed seeing the young lads, trying to help them improve a little bit and pass on my experience to them. I’m doing my badges, hopefully I’ll have that opportunity in the future.”
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