You Saw Me Standing Alone is the compelling story of Alex Williams, one of Manchester City’s most loyal servants.
The evocative title of his autobiography, borrowed from a famous song by the club’s fans, depicts his lonely battle against racists who targeted one of the game’s first modern-day black goalkeepers.
Alex courageously reached the top before an injury he kept secret from team-mates ended his playing career in 1987 at the age of 25.
As a champion of the community, he inspired back street kids like him to turn their lives around through City’s pioneering charity programme.
Alex retired from his full-time role as ambassador at City in the Community (CITC) in August 2023, after 33 years with the charity.
One of his last moves was to present the Premier League trophy to Ilkay Gundogan in May 2023, the first leg of the club’s famous treble. Alex gives a unique personal insight into that epic last month of a historic season.
Alex's story is unique. As a black goalkeeper, he couldn't escape the racism of the terraces, bananas being thrown on the pitch, newspaper made into a cross, and set on fire, and many other examples, Alex never let it get to him. Even the racist jokes of his teammates, which just wouldn't be allowed today, Alex let it ride where many wouldn't, especially nowadays. The challenge Alex faced when his career was tragically cut short, and how he faced it, says so much about him, as do the numerous tributes to Alex as a player, for his work I City In The Community, his visits to supporter's clubs, his positivity, and the way he always has time for people. Alex Williams is one of a kind, and it's so good to read a story of such positivity.