Bill Williams signed for Maidstone United in 1972. At the time, no one could’ve foreseen that the experienced centre-half would go on to have such a central role at the club, on and off the pitch.

To mark 50 years since Bill first joined the Stones, Maidstone United are hosting a testimonial match in his honour at 7pm on Friday 8 July.

For one night only, Bill will be back in the dugout alongside his former player and ex-England boss Peter Taylor. The match will also see the return of Jay Saunders and Steve Watt, who will take charge of the other team. The two sides will feature players who’ve appeared at the Gallagher Stadium since the homecoming in 2012.

Bill said: “After all these years, it’s about time! All joking aside, I was quite taken aback when I heard about this, it’s a wonderful gesture. When I made my debut against Trowbridge back in ’72, never in a million years did I expect to be at the club fifty years later. Nor could I have imagined what the club would go through in that time. I am grateful to have this testimonial bestowed on me and grateful to Peter, Jay, Watty and all the players I’ve contacted about taking part. I look forward to announcing the players in my team in the coming weeks.”

Tickets for the match are available online or on the turnstiles that evening. As well as the game, there will be an after-party in the Spitfire Lounge with a chance to catch up with names from the last five decades.

Stones co-owner Terry Casey said: “Bill is synonymous with Maidstone United and we couldn’t let this anniversary pass without marking it in some way. Of those 50 years, Bill has been involved with the club in one form or another for 36 of them. He’s the reason I got involved, although I am not sure whether I should be grateful or cursing him for that! Bill has touched so many lives in so many ways and we’ll all have a reason to be there that evening to show our appreciation. I am sure it will be a great occasion and the chance to catch up with some old friends from over the years.”

Bill and Jay