Wrexham striker Williams retires

26 March 2008

Eifion WilliamsWrexham striker Eifion Williams has retired from football and is returning his family in north-east England.

The 32-year-old Welshman joined the Dragons last summer after spending five years at Hartlepool United.

But the former Barry and Torquay hitman struggled with injury and also failed to hold down a first team place making just 15 league and cup appearances.

Williams has not played since scoring his only goal in the 1-0 win over Bury in December.

"I have picked up one or two injuries this season and things haven't quite gone to plan," he told Wrexham's website.

"It is though, one of those decisions where I have put the family first and the travelling has not helped.

"I have had a chat with (manager) Brian Little and we agreed it was best for both parties that we go our separate ways.

"I'm 33 this year and it just didn't feel right sitting here, picking up my money and not contributing to the team.

"I won't be returning to League football, I'm looking to get a job outside of the game.

"My family said they liked Hartlepool, having lived there for five years, so it is one of those decisions, where the kids are happy in school and its right for them."

Meanwhile, MK Dons have agreed to allow striker Drewe Broughton to stay at Wrexham for the third and final month of his emergency loan period.

Broughton will join up with the MK Dons squad to enjoy Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final as a non-player.

The 29-year-old will be available to the Dragons until the penultimate weekend of the season, along with Oxford loanee front man Robert Duffy.

West Brom striker Stuart Nicholson ends his Racecourse loan spell on 19 April.

Broughton's loan extension is subject to the necessary paperwork being completed by the Football Association and the Football Association of Wales before Thursday's deadline.

"I'm very happy to be staying at Wrexham," Broughton told the Dragons' website.

"Despite playing a part in the JP Trophy semi-final win over Swansea, there was little chance of my being involved in the final.

"I feel that I can be of more use to Wrexham in their relegation fight, although I'm disappointed that I can't stay for the final game against Lincoln as I always seem to score against them."