Gateshead chairman Neil Pinkerton has been “overwhelmed” by a new fundraising initiative launched by the National League North club’s supporters over the weekend.
West Auckland Town’s players and staff have become the latest members of a Non-League club in the North East to support the NHS in their battle against coronavirus.
Preston spent last season plying his trade with Halifax and netted three goals in the National League – two of which came in both league fixtures against the Heed.
The Tyneside town, birthplace of Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle, is more famous for the car park featured in Get Carter than the football team it has housed in various guises since 1930
Williamson, who made over 30 appearances for the Heed last season in a player-coach role, will now adopt a player-manager position and be assisted by former Blyth Spartans defender Ian Watson.