By Mark Carruthers
National League play-off hopefuls Gateshead are looking for a new manager after Mike Williamson accepted an offer to take charge at League Two club MK Dons.
The former Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender was officially named as successor to Graham Alexander at Stadium MK on Tuesday as he brings an end to his successful four-year reign with the Tynesiders.
Williamson will be joined by assistant manager Ian Watson, who will also bring a close to a long-term spell at the International Stadium after serving Gateshead in a number of roles over the past eight years.
After leading the club to the National League North title in 2022, Williamson and Watson helped the Heed retain their National League status last season and they also secured a first ever major cup final appearance at Wembley as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy Final.
The duo met the Heed squad to inform them of their move in an emotional meeting on Tuesday morning and their switch to MK Dons was officially confirmed just hours later in a statement released by the National League club.
It read: “Gateshead Football Club can confirm that player-manager Mike Williamson has agreed to join MK Dons.
“A formal approach was made from the League Two outfit at the beginning of this week, which the club reluctantly accepted after Williamson had expressed his desire to pursue negotiations.
“The 39-year-old has now finalised terms with MK Dons and departs Gateshead along with assistant manager Ian Watson and club physiotherapist Chris Bell.
“Williamson and Watson have overseen one of the most successful periods in the club's history since taking charge in June 2019, crafting a playing squad entirely from scratch following demotion to the National League North and reaching the play-off semi-finals in their first season at the helm.
“The duo played an integral role in guiding the club to the National League North title in 2022 despite being placed as 20/1 outsiders – the first league title a Gateshead side had won since 1986.
“Williamson and Watson then oversaw the club's survival in the fifth tier at the first attempt last season and also reached the FA Trophy final for the first time, and Wembley Stadium for the second time, in Gateshead's history.”
Club Chairman, Neil Pinkerton, said: “Mike has been a fantastic servant to Gateshead Football Club and agreed to re-join the club, alongside Ian and Chris, at a time when we didn't have a single contracted player following our demotion in 2019.
“The success they have brought to our club is testament to them as individuals and as a collective team, of which there are many more.
“An approach from MK Dons – a club in the EFL that was only recently in the Championship – proved too much to turn down and we wish them every success, of which we are sure they will be.”
Rob Elliot has been placed in interim charge with Louis Storey and Carl Magnay assisting as they now turn their attentions towards Saturday's visit to National League leaders Rochdale.
Main picture: Alamy
