'A manager’s dream' - Ex-Newcastle United defender hails Paul Dummett as he closes in on 200th appearance

Williamson was in the United side when Dummett made his senior debut as a half-time substitute in an FA Cup third round defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2013.

A full debut followed in a Capital One Cup win against Morecambe in the first two weeks of the following season and he has remained a key part of the Magpies squad in the years that have passed.

The Geordie defender should rack up a double century of appearances for United when they host Sheffield United on Wednesday evening as 10,000 supporters return to St James Park.

Former Magpies centre-back Williamson believes that Dummett’s attitude and consistency make him a perfect example for young players at the club to follow.

He told The Gazette: “One thing that is massively lacking in young lads coming through is knowing what you are good at and sticking to it.

“Dummy typifies that to the highest extent.

“He’s so reliable and probably underrated in a lot of people’s eyes.

“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s good in the air and he’s got good distribution.

“His biggest strength is that he keeps everything simple and just how well he knows his own game.

“He has consistently improved since he came into the side and he deserves every reward and piece of credit he receives because he’s a genuine, authentic, humble North East lad.”

Steve Bruce is the fourth permanent Newcastle manager to call upon Dummett’s services – and he also featured under John Carver when he took charge of first-team affairs following Alan Pardew’s departure in January 2015.

Williamson is not surprised that so many managers have utilised his former team-mate on a regular basis and described the defender as “a manager’s dream”.

“The fact that so many managers have called on him on a regular basis says it all.

“Every manager brings in his own blueprint, his own way of doing things and his own style.

“It takes adaptability as a player and Paul has done that.

“For me, he must be a manager’s dream because he is adaptable, and he just produces performances on a consistent basis.”

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