The club preparing to play again after the death of a player

What the report says

Non-league Hendon are preparing to play their first match since the death of midfielder Ezekiel Williams, with the club set to return to action on Saturday at Bedfont Sports. The BBC reports that Williams, 26, died in hospital on 2 November after an incident in Milton Keynes, and two men have been charged with murder. Hendon, who compete in the Isthmian League South Central Division, have not played since his death as players and staff have been grieving and receiving counselling.

Williams had joined Hendon in September and quickly become a valued member of the squad. Manager Adam Fisher and chairman Cyrus Cooper described him as a considerate, popular and hard-working player, while teammates said the coming game will be especially emotional. Fisher said he last heard from Williams after a match in late October, before learning of his death the following day.

The article also notes Williams’ wider impact away from Hendon, including coaching children for JOAP, a football coaching company run by his close friend Tyrique Clarke. A crowdfunding page set up in his memory has raised nearly £19,000. Hendon plan to pay tribute to Williams at their home game against Ascot United on 28 November, and players said they hope to honour him with their performance while coping with the loss of a teammate.