Mike Williamson named player-manager of demoted Gateshead

Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has now taken over at recently demoted Gateshead. After the demotion, due to financial instability, not a single player had their contract renewed. However, new owner Neil Pinkerton found it fit to keep Mike Williamson around, who had a stint as player-coach this past season.

Williamson stated that he found that he still had a lot to give as a player, but that he has been wanting to be a manager.

“I aim to be a manager that improves people and creates a highly competitive environment. I want this team to be successful and it’s about creating a squad of players who are highly professional and compete.”

Williamson, 35, is replacing Dave Dickson who endured a nightmare 41-day tenure at the club in which he could not save it from relegation.

Mike Williamson played with Newcastle United from 2010 to 2016, having spent the latter season on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made 169 appearances scoring one goal. It’s always nice to see a former player get into management, and we definitely hope to see him doing great things as a manager in the future.