Paul Cook pays tribute to 'courageous' Chesterfield defender after serious injury forces early retirement

The defender has announced his retirement from football, aged 31. The centre-back suffered a serious neck/spinal injury in February last year against Swindon Town. He was stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital and later had surgery. There were lots of worried faces that day at the County Ground and huge concerns about his overall health.

Williams hangs up his boots having made 87 appearances for Chesterfield, scoring six goals, since joining the club in November 2021. He played a big part in the team that won the National League title in 2024.

Cook said: "From being in Swindon in hospital just over 12 months ago, to see him return to training and try his best to resurrect his football career with such courage, was amazing to watch. I think for me as his manager, just to see him return to being the lad he was, was the most important thing because were privy to seeing him at his lowest point which was not a good place for him, his mum and dad and his family.

"He has got the whole of his life in front of him so it should not be a negative day, it has got to be a positive one. It was looking like he didn’t have the whole of his life in front of him but he has now and he will get so much love and support from us.”

Chesterfield as a club and its supporters, as well as those from Swindon, have rallied around Williams, who has continued to attend games.

Cook added: "I am sure we will arrange something for him whether it is an evening, a dinner, a game where he gets the opportunity to say goodbye to our fans because he really does deserve it. He is one of the best.”

"Our club is a special club, it is run by special people and it is supported by even more special people. Now and again, little moments like this bring you closer together.”

Williams, who signed from Solihull Moors, thanked everyone at the Spireites for an ‘incredible chapter.’

He said: “A chapter I’ll never forget and memories to last a lifetime.

“To the staff, my team-mates past and present, and especially the Spireites – your support on and off the pitch has meant everything. Thank you also to the fans of Swindon and others around the country who wished me well after I was injured.

“The love and encouragement I received following my injury from the club and fans carried me through more than they will ever know. It’s been an absolute honour to wear the shirt. Wishing Chesterfield all the best for the future.”

And the Spireites said in a statement: “Everyone at Chesterfield Football Club would like to thank Tyrone for his efforts whilst in North Derbyshire and wish him the very best for the future.”