After five years largely unspectacular and injury plagued service at West Ham, Danny Williamson was a surprise selection to revive an Everton midfield sorely lacking creativity. Williamson was part of a £3million part exchange deal in August 1997 that valued David Unsworth at £2 million.  Heralded by Howard Kendall as a player who could sit in front of the back four or play a more creative role, Williamson laboured in a dire team, neither able to add defensive solidity nor attacking impetus. 

Struck down by a serious foot injury shortly before Christmas 1997, there followed a lengthy and ultimately futile battle to save his career. In 2000, still aged only 26, he was forced to announce his retirement from the game.