Wasiri Williams departs Dundalk

Dundalk have announced the depature of defender Wasiri Williams from the club as he returns to England to help his girlfriend through her illness. 

Having joined the Lilywhites on loan from Swansea City at the start of the 2023 League of Ireland season, he went on to make eleven league appearances for the Carrick Road outfit. Speaking to his club media, the 23 year old said, After having conversations with those closest to me and the staff at Dundalk, we decided to end my loan early so I could help and support her through this difficult time."

“In football, you come across moments where there’s more to life than the sport you love. I have the utmost respect for the gaffer, Stephen O’Donnell, his coaching staff and Brian Gartland, the head of football operations, for being genuine humans throughout this situation.

“I want to thank my teammates for the memories we made and the support they gave to me. They are all individually great minds who put the graft in every day, without a second thought.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the Dundalk fans. It’s been a rollercoaster first half of the season for the team but with your support, I have no doubt that the boys will turn it around and make it a successful season.”

Head Coach Stephen O'Donnell was full of praise for his departing defender, “Waz brought a lot of energy to the group and even though he knew before the Cork game that he was going back, he was still shouting encouragement at the lads from the bench and that shows exactly what kind of character he is.

“The loan move served its purpose at both ends. Waz came here and played first-team football and we needed him because we had players out injured in that department. He will only improve in the future and he will learn from his time here and we were delighted to have him,” he added.

“I think every player that has come here on loan has done well and it has given them all their first real taste of competitive football. It’s always interesting and intriguing to see how they get on in the future. You hope to see them go on and do very well with their career and we hope that is the case with Waz.

The club statement ended with support for the couple, Everyone at Dundalk FC would like to wish Waz – and his girlfriend Laureann – the very best of luck in the future. They will always be welcome at Oriel Park.