Manchester City will play tribute to Alex Williams MBE before kick-off on Saturday, as he retires from City in the Community after 33 years.

Following his successful playing career, Williams became Head of City in the Community (CITC) in 1990, shaping the charity into one of the largest and most impactful football foundations in the country.

After spending 12 years on the leadership team as CITC Ambassador, where he continued to support the strategic development of the charity, Williams announced he would step away from his full-time role at the end of August this year.

Born in Moss Side, Manchester, Williams has devoted over three decades to improving the lives of people in Greater Manchester, during which time he has helped to grow the charity from a team of just 12, to an outfit of over 100.

To thank Williams for his commitment to City in the Community, Manchester City has arranged for a special tribute to take place ahead of kick-off. Alex will also appear on the front cover of the matchday programme.

Head of City in the Community, Mike Geary, said: “Manchester City was built upon community values and, for 33 years, Alex Williams has personified the heartbeat of our Club.

“His impact across this city is beyond measure and I know that his legacy, along with the stories told by the people whose lives he has changed, will continue for many years to come.

“I would encourage all fans to get to their seats fifteen minutes before kick-off, if possible, and join us in paying tribute to Alex.”

Williams’ new autobiography ‘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.