Wembley is far from the limit of what we can achieve – Heed boss Williamson

By Mark Carruthers

HAPPY HEED: Gateshead‘s Owen Bailey celebrates with Louis Storey after the latter secured the shoot-out win over Barnet

PICTURE: Garry Griffiths

Mike Williamson reflects on Gateshead’s ‘amazing journey’ from the brink of extinction to Wembley – but insists the best is still to come from his side.

Just four years have passed since the Tynesiders were taken to within 72 hours of going out of business before a supporter-led consortium succeeded with a lastditch takeover bid.

After being forcibly relegated into the National League North for financial irregularities under their former owners, the Heed’s new hierarchy carefully plotted a road to recovery, and one that started with the appointment of former Newcastle United star Williamson and assistant manager Ian Watson.

‘We had a psychology meeting last week and we spoke about not just taking this as a cup final or a Wembley game’

Their rewards for the loyalty shown in the duo have come in the form of a three visits to the ‘proper’ rounds of the FA Cup, a live televised second round tie against Charlton Athletic and, more crucially, last season’s impressive National League North title win that returned the club to Non-League‘s top tier.

Notable

A run to the club’s first ever FA Trophy final – and only their second visit to Wembley – has been the latest notable achievement racked up by Williamson and his players – but the Heed player-manager still believes there is more to come in their story.

He told The NLP: “The club faced a real threat of going out of business but the fans came in, saved it, and have been working so hard behind the scenes ever since.

POWER LIFT: Heed raised the National League North title last season

“Our aim is to build and create something we are proud of, something the community and supporters can be proud of.

“The last two years have been an amazing journey and I am sure the best still lies ahead of us.”

The bond between Williamson, Watson and their playing squad, and their joint-belief in staying true to the process put in place by the duo, have been the key reasons behind Gateshead’s journey away from the precipice and to the brink of a place in the club’s history books.

There is a clear synergy between players and coaching staff and an unwavering belief in what they are doing to achieve success and deliver more memorable moments for the club’s supporters.

It is easy to forget Williamson’s managerial career is still very much in its infancy and his role at Gateshead remains his first venture into life in the dugout after spending his playing career with the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Wolves and Newcastle.

Glory

But the Heed boss swiped away suggestions of any personal glory and revealed his key motivation is bringing the best out of his playing squad and ensuring the men that will grace the hallowed Wembley turf are able to make the most of a historic occasion with their friends and families.

“Ultimately, it’s a oneoff, it’s a final, it’s unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of it so all we can do is control what we can and make sure we are fully prepared,” he said.

“I know it’s a cliche but this is the beauty for me (working with his players). Not that the final means nothing but this is the bulk of it. I love the boys and if we do pick it (the FA Trophy) up I will be buzzing for the boys, and if we don’t, I’ll be gutted for the boys.

“My enjoyment is sitting back and watching them. Obviously it’s nice when you work on something and you see it come off but it’s not really about the trophy itself, it’s about the growth in these boys and it was the same when we won the league. I took more pleasure in seeing them experience that, seeing them achieve something and watching them enjoy those moments with their families.”

LOOKING UP: Gateshead will be aiming to build on their semi-final victory