Ex-Nottingham Forest, Bart-Williams is dead

Chris Bart-Williams, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest midfielder, has tragically passed away at the age of 49.

The sad news was confirmed by Sheffield Wednesday, who stated that Bart-Williams died in the United States, where he was working as a mentor and coach.

This devastating loss comes amidst Forest and Wednesday already mourning the death of former striker Trevor Francis, who passed away at the age of 69.

In a statement, Sheffield Wednesday expressed their grief, saying, “Bart-Williams’ untimely passing mirrors that of his manager at Hillsborough, Trevor Francis, who also died on this, one of the darkest days in our long history. Our thoughts are with Chris’ and Trevor’s families and friends at this devastating time.”

Born in Sierra Leone, Bart-Williams started his football career as a trainee at Leyton Orient before making over 150 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, where he played in the Premier League as a teenager. He then secured a £2.5 million move to Nottingham Forest in July 1995.

During his time at Forest, Bart-Williams made 248 appearances for the club. After retiring as a player, he ventured into coaching in the United States, initially working in women’s college football.

Bart-Williams described himself on his social media accounts as “coach, college recruiter, former footballer.” He was the owner and chief executive officer of CBW Soccer Elite, a US College Soccer recruiting agency that worked with college-bound players.

His LinkedIn profile reflected his passion for developing young adults into highly successful soccer players, focusing on building confidence, technical ability, and valuable life lessons in responsibility and teamwork.

In February of last year, Bart-Williams was appointed as head coach to oversee all football programs in Florida-based Dade County.

The news of his passing was met with shock and sadness from his former teammate, Mark Crossley, who played alongside him at Nottingham Forest. Crossley tweeted, “Devastating, and I’m so upset to hear the news of Trevor Francis passing and my former teammate Chris Bart Williams. Both so young, it is so sad. RIP Trevor and Chris.”

Ipswich Town also expressed their condolences, stating, “The club is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Chris Bart-Williams. Once a Blue, always a Blue.”