Last weekend saw Dartford host Lewes at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Luther Williams featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Alongside George Whitefield, Luther Williams is one of the youngest central defenders at Dartford. And at just 20 years of age, the left-footed player has become an important part of Ady Pennock’s defensive unit since being signed in the summer.
Having arrived from Isthmian South Central outfit Leatherhead FC, Luther has made twenty appearances in all competitions so far this season, 18 of which have been in the starting eleven.
The more you see him feature for the Darts, the more he seems to settle into his role at this higher level, as some of his defending exploits can attest… his superb interception while facing a two-on-one counter-attack by Cheshunt recently comes to mind.
At the time of our discussion over WhatsApp, the former Chelsea Youth Prospect (and Sheffield United U18 player) is in good spirits after having contributed to his team’s excellent run of form, which has seen just one defeat in the last seven games…
“I’m good thanks Chris, hope you’re well to.” (I am thanks Luther!)
“It feels really good to be playing for Dartford this season. Obviously, the club is run really well and this has helped me to settle in quickly. The fans are great and always turn out in numbers, which has been a big help. So, thanks to them!”
It’s no secret that joining Dartford was a step up for Luther. And one has to be mindful that he only featured for Leatherhead for one season, let alone the fact that he’s still only 20-years-old. Was it an easy decision to make the step up?
“Well, obviously the history of Dartford speaks for itself Chris. It’s a huge club in Non-League football and, when the offer came about to become a part of this club’s history, it was a no-brainer to be honest. Alongside the talks I had with the gaffer, and the project he sold to me demonstrating the ambition of this club really convinced me to sign. I feel that Dartford is the right place for me personally.”
He continues, “It is my ambition to achieve promotion into the league above this season, and to be a part of the team that brings Dartford back to where it belongs… higher up the league and challenging. Personally, as a defender, I’d like to help to keep as many clean sheets as possible this season, and make sure that defensively we’re a team that’s difficult to beat.”
It’s no secret that the early stages of the season have been difficult. However, the current good run of form suggests that this new squad built by Ady and his coaching staff is beginning to settle. I know first hand that an awful lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes during training, something that continues to be the case for everyone involved. How does Luther balance such hard work with life away from the pitch?
“Outside of football I work in a school as an LSA. I also try to hang out with my friends whenever possible. Even though I work full-time alongside playing football, it’s not very difficult to balance my working life with my fitness to be honest. I finish work quite early in the day, so I always find time to go to the gym after work which makes it easy to stick to a schedule. Also, when the terms are finished, I get time during the season to fully focus my attention on football training more and getting even fitter.”
He continues, “I try to keep on top of my fitness by working on strength and conditioning and, obviously, training is very important. I make sure that I don’t waste a training session. I train as hard as I can. During term times, I do extra training sessions as much as I can in order to keep myself sharp and fit.”
Like many of his peers at this level, Luther had the benefit of attending a Football Academy during his early career. His journey began playing Sunday League football, until he signed for Chelsea’s Academy. He remained with the young Blues through U12-U16 levels, before moving on to Sheffield United’s Academy where he played at U18 and U21 levels.
I asked him if he felt the academies helped his growth as a player?
“Yes, absolutely Chris. I believe it helped me to understand the tactical side of the game really well, as I got some of the best coaching in the country. I learned how to follow out tactical instructions from coaches, and I could understand why and where I was needed on the pitch. Also, I grew technically as well, which gave me an edge over others, as I was training every day. It really helped to give me a platform to be at my best physically too.”
Does Luther have ambitions of playing at a higher level and, possibly, becoming a full-time professional player? Afterall, he’s only 20-years-old…
“For the immediate future, I just want to win as many games as possible for Dartford and achieve success here.
“But yes, long-term, I want to push on up the leagues and return to playing professionally one day. As you said, I’m still very young and believe that I still have a window of opportunity to do so. Of course, this isn’t guaranteed, so I need to put the work in and also continue learning from playing in the Non-League game, as it can be great for developing and experiencing real men’s football.”
Despite his young age, Luther has experienced many highs and lows during his playing career so far. Would he change anything if he could?
“I’ve enjoyed my career so far Chris. There’s been lots of ups and downs, but each team and experience has taught me new things about football and about life. Each experience and team has also helped to develop me as a player and a person. The only thing that I might change is, not taking my time as a professional player for granted, and staying within that set up for as long as possible.”
There’s a reason why things happen in life. It’s all part of growing up and developing as a person and as a player. The future certainly looks bright for Luther, both on and off the field. For now, he is a Dartford defender. For how long, who knows? Yet, the Dartford faithful have embraced him and he has embraced them. And on that note, I’ll let him have the final words…
“I’d like to say thank you. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed, and we appreciate you guys turning out in numbers every week. We know that the results haven’t been good enough recently and we know that needs to change. But, I feel that the team is close to getting it right very soon and, with the abilities we’ve got in the dressing room, it’s only a matter of time before we started repaying your faith in us this season. So stick with us, and thank you so far.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Superstition… left boot, lace, and shin pad always go on first before games.
Favourite Food?
Brown stew chicken with rice & peas.
Favourite Drink?
Lemon Iced Tea.
TV Series or Film?
TV series.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Lebron James.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Mum.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Basketball.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Eddie Dsane.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Eden Hazard (ex-Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
By Chris Palmer