Tributes flow for football man Williams

13 Oct 2009, 6:03 am   -   Source: SBS
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Football fans have paid tribute to football commentator Paul Williams who was found dead at the weekend.

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SBS football commentator Paul Williams - lauded for winning the network a Logie for his coverage of a World Cup qualifying match - was found dead in his home at the weekend.

His body was found in his Sydney apartment.

Williams had suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome and severe depression since 2002 when the illness forced him to withdraw from regular work.

Fans remembered him as 'extremely knowledgeable' and dedicated to the game.  --- Leave a comment here.

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A fine journalist in his own right, Williams was an outstanding football commentator and he will long be remembered for his impeccable commentary, with the late Johnny Warren, on the historic Australia v Iran World Cup qualifier at the MCG in 1997, for which SBS won its first Logie.


After joining SBS for the 1993 World Youth Cup, he became the network's chief football commentator in 1996 commentating on the NSL, Socceroos games and events like Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup in France In recent years, Williams anchored his own weekly radio show, Football Fever, on Sydney’s 2KY.
 

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It was a pleasure!

David - from Box Hill, 2 years ago

I had the pleasure of playing indoor with Paul in Melbourne in the 90's. A great man, great commentator, great player. RIP x

Your wishes

Steve Slisar - from Sydney, 3 years ago

Paul was seeing my sister, Linda for many years and was by her side through her fight with ovarian cancer and he was there for her the day she passed away. He was always measured in the way he spoke and his opinions and his thoughts were always well considered and kind. I'm sorry that you had to leave us too early and hope that you know that I (and everyone else who knew you) have fond memories of you. Rest in Peace.

Sad news

Chris Hepple - from Newcastle Australia, 3 years ago

I was deeply saddened to hear this terrible news about one of Australian sport's great men. My first football memory is of Paul's call of the game against Iran at the MCG and I have been a fan of the game ever since, thanks in no small part to Paul. As I became more attached to the sport through France 98 and regular SBS programs, especially On The Ball, Paul was there as part of the team. In more recent years I have spent many enjoyable nights listening to Paul on 2KY. Gone but forgotten.

A lovely man

Brendon - from Carrum Victoria, 3 years ago

In 2000, I met Paul when I was in Sydney where he was sharing a house with my cousin. When he found out I was a "soccer fanatic", that had played only local soccer, he sat and spoke with me and shared footballing stories. He treated me with so much respect that I felt like I too was a socceroo. It was the highlight of my trip to Sydney to meet such a wonderful, respectful, down-to-earth man. I was devastated to hear the announcement on SBS that his life on earth was cut so short. Thoughts.

School Days

Cathy Louis-Marie - from Auckland New Zealand, 3 years ago

It is decades since I have seen Paul or "Willow" as he was known, he was best friends with my brother and played in the First XI at Penrose High School, where his love of the beautiful game cemented everlasting friendships. Paul was a genuine friend, funny and intelligent. I don't think any of us realised how prominent Paul had become as a football commentator. Sadly in the last 7 or so years Paul became very distant from his NZ mates, if only we had known how difficult life had become RIP

Shocked and Saddened

Joe Taylor - from Camperdown, 3 years ago

I met Paul in 1997 through his then girlfriend Linda Slisor. Linda and I were very good friends and unfortunatley her life was cut short too in July 1999. So it is with much distress that I found out about Paul's passing. Although we lost contact back in around 2002, I do remember the many football conversations we had together over coffee, invites to SBS to watch the FA Cup final. His inspirational insights and stellar commentary is a huge loss. Aust V Iran 1997, superb commentary.Paul, respect

RIP Paul

Scott - from Newtown, 3 years ago

I remember Paul was SBS's chief football commentator leading up to Korea / Japan 2002 and then Les told viewers on the eve of the tournament that Paul had withdrawn from the Cup due to "medical issues".
Being a football tragic I've long wondered how Paul could disappear so suddenly from SBS; now I know some of the sad story behind this.
His memory will live on with me and the countless hours of tapes I have from France 98.
Vale Paul Williams.

A missed friend and a great player

Ken - from NSW, 3 years ago

Paul and I played soccer in Melbourne in the early 90's before he left for SBS, A dedicated player, who was inspirational for the younger players, and a true gentleman. When I moved to Sydney I was hoping to contact Paul, and as luck would have it in 98, I bumped into his then co-commentator who will remain nameless. Those of you who followed the game then will know who. Unfortunately, he refused to pass my details, and I now feel guilty not trying harder to see an old friend.

Very sad news.

Brian - from Brisbane, 3 years ago

Condolences to his family and friends.

Mr

Aaron - from Strathfield, 3 years ago

I rated him very highly in his role as a football comentator. He was knowledgeable and measured in his delivery yet got excited at just the right moments. He was a very natural commentator. Then he just disappeared and for some time I never knew where he had gone. Later in about '03 or '04, I saw him in St Leonards one day during my lunch break. So I went up to him and after introducing myself, told him how much I liked his work at the microphone. He was quite humble about it. Hope you RIP

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