REVEALED: Mike Williamson’s parting words to Gateshead team
Written by Joshua Nichol on 19th October 2023
Departing Gateshead manager Mike Williamson told his players they were “brilliant” and asked them to “continue doing what you’re doing” in his farewell meeting, a source close to the club has told Spark.
The meeting, which took place at 9.30am on the day his departure was announced, was short but players expressed their gratitude to the man who has taken them to sixth in the National League.
One member of the incoming coaching staff told the room that the “biggest compliment” the team could give the former Newcastle centre-back was to continue to do what they have been doing under him.
Williamson’s decision to leave the club for MK Dons was described by a club insider as “a shock, but understanding” and that fans were “sorry to see him go.” You can read more on Williamson’s departure here
https://twitter.com/MKDonsFC/status/1714332948915159407
The insider also believes incoming manager Rob Elliot is the right man for the job, saying: “Rob was Mike’s best mate at Newcastle. A totally new guy coming in would have changed things too much.”
The good will of the club and fans is a theme that has ran through the analysis of Williamson’s exit with North East Non-League reporter Mark Carruthers telling Spark:
“If he had gone to another National League team there would have been some resentment, but he hasn’t taken a sideways step, he has taken a step up to the Football League.
“There is absolutely a chance that Williamson can manage in the Championship or Premier League in the future.”
Rob Elliot’s Gateshead travel to National League leaders Chesterfield on Saturday, while Williamson’s first game with MK Dons is away to Accrington Stanley.
