Gateshead chairman hails impact of ex-Newcastle United defender

The former Magpies centre-back was named as the Heed’s player-manager in the aftermath of a supporter-led takeover last summer and has shone during his first foray into management.

After a slow start to the season, Gateshead looked well-placed to secure a place in the National League North play-offs before the coronavirus epidemic brought a premature end to the season.

Although the league are still deliberating over how to decide on promotion and relegation issues across their three divisions, it seems unlikely that play-off fixtures will take place.

That has led Gateshead to start planning for next season, whenever that should get underway, and Pinkerton believes that they club have ideal person in the dugout to continue their progress.

“We are delighted with Mike,” explained the Heed chairman.

“There were a few eyebrows raised by his appointment but having spoken to him and spoken to people around him, we knew there was an opportunity with him.

“At the time, we wanted somebody that knew the club and that was important.

“Mike is an intelligent, articulate man and he has been absolutely fantastic with the fans, the staff and the young players.

“He has invested a lot of time with the players and his influence is all too evident.

“He commands respect from the players, and he has earned that respect throughout his time with Gateshead.

“He has managed the transition from player to manager and you can’t say he’s done things the easy way.”

North East non-league stalwart Ian Watson has played a crucial role alongside Williamson in the dugout.

“You have Busted (Ian Watson, assistant manager) working alongside Mike and he looks after his gaffer and he looks after the lads.

“He knows the North East scene inside-out and he knows the non-league scene around the country.

“We are lucky to have him, and he will continue to improve in the role he has.

“They are both born winners and they are committed.

“They will open up and say they want to take Gateshead to the EFL, that’s their aspiration and that’s the club’s aspiration too.”