Ex-Newcastle United defender praised for big impact at Gateshead

The former Newcastle United centre-back has combined playing and managerial duties at the International Stadium after he was named as Heed boss last summer.

Williamson and assistant manager Ian Watson managed to piece together an impressive squad at short notice after the club were taken over by a supporter-led consortium and had little time to prepare for the National League North season.

The duo managed to hold on to a number of key players and impressed in the transfer market too as the likes of on-loan Middlesbrough keeper Brad James, midfielder Nicky Deverdics and forward Jordan Preston shone to help Gateshead challenge for a play-off place.

That top seven position was secured last week when the National League confirmed that they would calculate the final standings in their three divisions on a points per game basis.

That decision saw Williamson’s side leapfrog Spennymoor Town to secure the sixth and final play-off position in the National League North – and they are set to travel to Brackley Town in the qualifying round of the end-of-season fixtures.

Pinkerton reflected on Williamson’s first season in charge and praised the former Magpies defender for being “exemplary” in his work.

“Mike has worked very well, and we shouldn’t forget that it is still his first season as a manager,” explained the Heed chairman.

“He obviously has a lot of experience as a player – but it’s different being a manager.

“Mike is level-headed, he has taken everything thrown at him and just takes it in his stride.

“We knew he was a leader; he leads by example and he’s exemplary in everything that he does.

“He’s a gentleman, he’s a role model for any budding sports person.

“He has never complained, he knows the situation we have found ourselves in, and we have worked through the issues.

“We all have an open and honest relationship; we trust each other and that is what we try to instil in everyone around the club.

“The coaching staff bounce off each other, they are happy, and it shows because they set the tone for everything that happens on and off the pitch.”

Gateshead’s supporters have helped the club plan for next season with a budget booster initiative.

The fundraiser was launched with an initial £10,000 target just over four weeks ago – but the Heed faithful had donated £18,730 for their club by the time the initiative was brought to a close on Monday morning.