PERSONAL INFORMATION
Josh Williamson
Name: Josh Williamson
Date of birth: 19-12-2007
Place of birth: Northern Ireland, Belfast
Nationality: Irish
Language: English
Club: Crusaders FC
Favourite position: CDM
Favourite foot: Right
CLUB HISTORY
- Dungoyne FC | Youth
- Crusaders FC | Youth – …
INTERVIEW
Introduce yourself…
My name is Josh Williamson and I grew up loving football. All I wanted to do was playing football growing up.
As an attacking midfielder, how do you balance creativity and discipline on the pitch? Which aspects of your game are you focusing on improving?
As a midfielder I like to think of myself as a creative midfielder. Who likes to get on the ball. I would focus on keeping my game simple and build my way in to doing fancier things.
What are your standout memories from your time at Dungoyne FC, and how did those experiences prepare you for the step up to Crusaders?
My standout memories from Dungoyne are going away to Blackpool cup with all my mates and just having a good laugh and also winning it.
Dungoyne has a reputation for producing talented young players—how did the coaching environment there help your growth as a midfielder?
My coaching at Dungoyne was top quality my coach was Paul Leeman who is an Irish league legend who helped develop me in my career for 10 years I also had other coaches at Dungoyne who was Gavin Campbell and Stephen Waters.
You joined Crusaders from Dungoyne FC and signed your first professional contract in September 2024 at age 16. How important was that moment for you?
I moved from Dungoyne to Crusaders’s when I was 15 and in September 2024 I signed my first professional contract which was a real proud moment for me and my family and my coaches from Dungoyne.
How did you find the transition from youth football at Dungoyne to the academy setup at Crusaders? What felt most challenging at the start?
The transition from youth football to professional football was tough at the start but I got used to it fast as I made my Irish league debut at 16 which was also a proud moments as I started that game and we won 4-0.
Coach Declan Caddell described you as “an absolute joy to work with” in light of your contract extension in June 2025. What does this recognition mean to you personally?
Declan Caddell put a lot of trust in me as I earned a 3 year contract extension this meant quite a lot to me as it proved I done well in my first year where I played 26 games.
What has been the most significant piece of advice or support you’ve received from senior teammates like Philip Lowry?
Jimmy Callacher really helped me out in my first year he put his arm around me and helped me transition into professional football. Robbie Weir also really helped me over the last year he has helped me develop my game as he has played at a high level and he plays in my position.
Looking ahead, what personal milestones are you aiming for—like regular starting XI appearances, scoring your first senior goal, or representing Northern Ireland at higher levels?
Some personal goals for looking forward would be to just to develop my game and become the best player I can be.
