Alvan Williams played for Exeter City in the early 1960s having previously been at Bury, Wrexham and Bradford (Park Avenue). He became a manager at Bangor City, Hartlepools United, Southend United and Wrexham.

The son of a North Wales vicar, Alvan began his professional career with Bury in December 1954 following a transfer from Stalybridge Celtic. Making just two league appearances during his time at Gigg Lane, Alvan moved to Wrexham in June 1956 where he netted 7 goals in 13 league games. A year later he switched to Bradford (Park Avenue) where he enjoyed the most productive period of his career as he scored 21 times from 92 league starts.

Alvan subsequently arrived at St James’ Park in August 1960 and belatedly made his Exeter City debut against Workington on 22 October 1960. Playing for a struggling team, more often as a centre-half rather than a centre-forward, Alvan played nearly all of his first-team football after the turn-of-the-year and - having been struck by injury - was given a free transfer in May 1961. He then returned to North Wales to become assistant manager of Bangor City.

Appointed manager of (the then) Hartlepools United in February 1964, he remained with the club until May 1965. With Brian Clough taking over as manager of the Durham club later in the year, Alvan became manager of Southend United in June 1965 where he was to stay until March 1967. Taking charge of Wrexham in April 1967, he reportedly resigned over a drink-driving offence in September 1968 and did not work again in football management. 

He became a pub landlord in Bala and later in North London where he was charged with murder after a student died after an altercation. Acquitted, he was found guilty on a charge of affray.  

Alvan Williams died in Bala on 22 December 2003 aged 71.