John Williams played in midfield for the youth team in 1974. 
However in a match against Plymouth in the South West and Wales Youth  league he played in goal in a 2-0 defeat.

He played as a youth player in 1974/75, playing for City in the FA Youth Cup in 1974 against Newport County.

"On the 28th September 1974  the reserves visited Torpoint in the South Western League and came home with two good points winning 2-1. Our young Colts goalkeeper John Williams, made his reserve team debut in this match and by all accounts did very well. Mike Jordan our young striker again scored both our goals, one one in each half."