A product of Boro’s highly-acclaimed EFCO scheme, Darren Williams was a central defender that many looked to as a potential star in the making. He was, after all, the captain of the FA Youth Cup side that made major strides during the 2003-4 season; narrowly losing 2-1 to Tranmere in Round Four. But it is rare at Conference level for someone so young to break into a defensive unit.

At 18 years old, then, he was hardly going to be blessed with chances to crack the first team. He got a chance, however; injuries and suspensions ravaging the squad late that same season saw him earn a substitute appearance at Scarborough. There, he made a positive impression and helped the side come back a two goal deficit. It was possibly as good as it’d get, though.

Darren Williams: After Boro’

With a chance to shine in pre-season the following year, he found himself back on the fringes of first team and was rarely placed in the reserve team. Before long, he moved to Grays Athletic in Conference South and then on again further down the pyramid to clubs such as St Albans and St Margaretsbury.