Non-league club Hendon FC are preparing for an emotional return to competitive football following the tragic death of midfielder Ezekiel Williams, who died aged 26 after suffering serious head injuries in an incident in Milton Keynes.
Williams, affectionately known as "Zekes" and "Eze" by friends and teammates, died in hospital on 2 November. Two men have since been charged with murder in connection with his death.
The midfielder joined Hendon in September after previously representing Hastings United, Kettering Town and St Ives Town.
Despite spending only a short period at the north-west London club, Williams quickly became a valued member of the squad, remembered for his kindness, humility and sharp sense of humour.
Hendon, who compete in the Isthmian League South Central Division, the eighth tier of English football, have not played since his death.
The club will return to action against Bedfont Sports on Saturday, 12 days after losing their teammate.
Hendon chairman Cyrus Cooper admitted the club has struggled to process the devastating news.
"Nothing prepares you for something like this," Cooper told BBC Sport.
"We're all human beings and the club is struggling to come to terms with what has happened."
The upcoming fixture will mark the first time Hendon's players have taken to the pitch without Williams since his death.
Cooper expects an emotional occasion for everyone connected with the club.
"It's going to be the first time the players put their kit on without Ezekiel being there," he said.
"I think there are going to be a lot of tears. It's going to be an emotional day for everyone associated with Hendon Football Club."
Midfielder Tashae Andall-Gibbons echoed those sentiments, describing the profound impact Williams' death has had on the dressing room.
"Saturday is going to be so hard because Eze is going to be on our minds and what happened to him," he said.
"Everyone is distraught. Eze was only 26 and had his whole life ahead of him."
Hendon manager Adam Fisher revealed that he initially became concerned after Williams failed to respond to a message about an upcoming cup fixture.
The midfielder had scored against Jersey Bulls on 24 October before making what would become his final appearance in a 2-0 home defeat against Egham Town three days later.
Following that match, Williams contacted Fisher to explain that he would be travelling to visit an unwell relative.
"He messaged me the day after to say: 'Gaffer, I'm really sorry I didn't catch you after the game but I'm going away for the weekend to see a relative who is sick'," Fisher recalled.
Williams explained that he would miss training and the following match but expected to return on Monday.
It was the last communication Fisher received from his player.
When the manager later contacted Williams about his availability for a London Cup fixture against Woodford, he received no response.
Fisher subsequently learned of Williams' death through social media.
"I found out on the Tuesday afternoon and I didn't leave my house until the Friday," he said.
"I was shocked and in a daze."
Despite his extensive managerial experience, Fisher admitted that preparing his players for their return to football has been exceptionally difficult.
He has even watched interviews with Liverpool players discussing the impact of Diogo Jota's death to better understand how football teams cope with losing a teammate.
"What can you say that the players are going to take in?" Fisher asked.
"I've got a squad of players who are mourning the loss of one of their team-mates. We are all really struggling."
The club has offered counselling to players as they continue to process their grief.
Beyond his playing career, Williams was deeply involved in developing young footballers.
He worked as a coach at Journey Of A Pro (JOAP), a football coaching organisation dedicated to helping children improve their skills and confidence.
His best friend, Tyrique Clarke, who serves as JOAP's chief executive and head of coaching, described Williams as an exceptionally caring individual.
The pair had known each other for approximately 14 years and remained in daily contact.
"He was a real source of comfort for me. Someone I would speak to about every decision. Who do I ask now?" Clarke said.
"He was just the most selfless, loving person and always a bright spark of energy."
Clarke revealed that numerous parents had contacted him to explain how positively Williams had influenced their children.
"I've had lots of messages from parents saying how much Zekes made their kids feel so special," he said.
Williams was particularly passionate about encouraging young players, frequently delivering motivational messages and sharing Bible verses during team talks.
"Zekes loved coaching children," Clarke added.
"He was just a genuine, kind-hearted person."
The wider football community has responded with an outpouring of support following Williams' death.
A crowdfunding campaign established in his memory has raised nearly £19,000, with Hendon players and staff among those contributing.
The club also plans to honour Williams during its next home fixture against Ascot United on 28 November.
His sister, Shadore Williams, paid an emotional tribute, reflecting on her brother's personal growth, ambitions and dedication to helping others.
"Seeing Ezekiel get older and gain different ambitions in life was the best thing I could have witnessed," she said.
She highlighted his pride in becoming a football coach and working with children who shared his passion for the sport.
Shadore also spoke about his growing faith and enthusiasm for attending church, recalling how excited he became whenever he bought a new suit to show his family.
Hendon's players returned to training on Thursday as they attempted to prepare for their first match since the tragedy.
Chairman Cyrus Cooper addressed the squad, while players gathered to say a prayer in memory of their teammate.
Although the club faces a difficult return to competitive action, the players hope to channel their grief into a performance that honours Williams.
Andall-Gibbons acknowledged that the emotional impact remains overwhelming but expressed his determination to make Saturday's match meaningful.
"Everybody is still trying to process what has happened," he said.
"I hope we use this pain in the right way and put on a big performance on Saturday."
For Hendon, the upcoming fixture represents far more than three league points.
It will be an opportunity for players, staff and supporters to come together, remember a cherished teammate and begin the difficult process of moving forward.
As Andall-Gibbons put it: "Eze will never be forgotten."
