Alex Williams MBE, City in the Community Ambassador, has today released his autobiography, just weeks before he retires from the charity after 33 years.

You Saw Me Standing Alone is the compelling story of 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.

Buy the book now

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 kids to turn their lives around through City’s pioneering charity, City in the Community.

Alex retires from his full-time role as ambassador at City in the Community on 31 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.

As a player, goalkeeping coach and community leader, he touched the lives of many, including...

-  Noel Gallagher, an aspiring musician and teenage City fan when he first met Alex in their local park.

-  Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham whose first experience of racism in society was an incident involving Alex!

-  Ex-City captain Paul Power reveals banter inside the Maine Road dressing room in the 1980s.

-  Legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall explains why he wanted Alex as his coach at Everton.   

All share their involvement with Alex, as do City in the Community staff and participants whose own life stories were influenced by one of football’s best-loved personalities. 

Speaking about the book release, Alex said: “Being a Moss Side boy, it was a dream come true for me to represent the Club I supported all my life. I am proud to now share that story.

“A large part of this includes the development of City in the Community - we should all as City fans and staff be very proud of what the club has achieved locally and globally in changing the lives of hundreds and thousands of people, for the better.

“Finally, a massive thanks to Manchester City football club, and all our brilliant fans from all over the world. The Club and fans have always welcomed me with open arms, and I am proud to have represented them for so long.”

You Saw Me Standing Alone is available from www.alexwilliamsbook.co.uk priced at £15. Part of proceeds will be donated to City in the Community.