Rotherham United legend Danny Williams dies, aged 94

Danny, from Thrybergh, served his home-town club as a player for 15 years from 1945-60 and later as manager from 1962-65.

A wing half, he was the Millers’ record appearances holder, turning out 500 times in total in league and cup. He also played during the war.

Although Danny’s talent first shone when he was a boy of ten in his school team, at 14 his progress was threatened by a serious injury which left him on crutches and worried he would never get to play again.

Like most players of the era, Danny had to make a living down the pit, in his case Silverwood Colliery. His performances in a war-time tournament had Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United looking at him and he also turned down offers from Arsenal and Leicester.

Danny’s first love remained the Millers and in 1950/51 he helped Rotherham win promotion to Division Two, now the Championship, and was also part of the side which went close to reaching the top flight in 1955, missing out only on goal average after finishing level on points with champions Birmingham and runners-up Luton. A big local personality during his heyday, he also owned a sports shop in the town.

Danny became player coach for the reserves and took over as Millers manager in 1962, leaving Millmoor in the summer of 1965. He went on to have a successful time in charge of Swindon Town, leading them to the League Cup final in 1969 when, as a third division side, they beat the mighty Arsenal 3-1 to lift the trophy.

Danny later managed Sheffield Wednesday, Mansfield and had a second spell at Swindon.

In his later years he retired to Bournemouth.

Funeral details will be revealed in due course.

We’ll have a full tribute to Danny Williams in Friday's Advertiser.

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