After nearly two years away from professional football, Brandon Williams has finally stepped back onto the field—and not without some personal baggage.
The 24-year-old full-back made his first appearance in 19 months on Tuesday night, playing for Hull City in a pre-season friendly.
Williams, formerly of Manchester United, came off the bench during the closing minutes of Hull’s 2-1 win over Sunderland.
It was a quiet return on the field—but symbolically, a major step for the young defender trying to rebuild both his football career and his public image.
His Dangerous Driving Conviction Cast a Shadow Over His Career
Earlier this year, Williams was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, after a dangerous driving incident that could have ended far worse.
Back in August 2023, Williams crashed his Audi A3 on the A34 in Cheshire, reaching speeds close to 100mph before hitting another car and slamming into the central reservation.
He later admitted that he was showing off to a woman in the passenger seat and was even seen with a balloon by his mouth, suggesting he may have been inhaling nitrous oxide.
A judge described the situation as “fortunate” that no one was seriously hurt or killed.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Judge Eric Lamb handed down a three-year driving ban and ordered Williams to complete 180 hours of unpaid community service.
From Manchester United Prospect to Uncertain Free Agent
It’s been quite the fall from grace for Williams, who once earned £3.4 million a year and was considered one of Manchester United’s brightest young defenders.
He made 51 first-team appearances after rising through their academy, but last June he confirmed that he’d be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expired.
At the time of his dangerous driving incident, Williams was on loan at Ipswich Town, where he last played in December 2023 against QPR. Since then, he’s been without a club and without game time—until now.
Hull City Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Hull City is giving Williams a trial run, and Tuesday’s substitute appearance was his first bit of football in over a year and a half.
Although it was just a 15-minute cameo, it represented something much bigger: a second chance.
He’s hoping the club—or another—will offer him the opportunity to re-focus and do what he says he misses most: just playing the game.
Williams Opens Up About His Regret and Hunger to Play
In a heartfelt interview earlier this year, Williams said watching football had become painful for him because he wasn’t part of it anymore.
“I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together, just doing things,” he shared.
“I want that feeling again of winning, being in the changing room, being around football.”
Williams admitted he wasn’t ready before, even with teams in England, Europe, and the US trying to sign him.
Now, he says he’s ready to give his full focus to a fresh start.
Eyes on Europe as He Plots His Next Move
Despite everything, Williams hasn’t ruled out a move abroad.
He’s only 24, and he sees the possibility of playing for “three or four years” in Europe, either at an established club or one that’s on the rise.
For now, though, he’s just happy to be back on the pitch—no matter how short the shift.
Whether Hull or another team decides to take a chance on him remains to be seen, but it’s clear Williams wants to leave the past behind and kick on with his career.