Former Newcastle United star Mike Williamson named as new South Shields FC head coach
Mike Williamson has been named as successor to Ian Watson at National League North club South Shields.
Former Newcastle United and Wolves defender Mike Williamson has been appointed as new head coach of South Shields FC.
The former Magpies star has been heavily involved at Mariners Park over the last six months months after initially working on the coaching staff of predecessor Ian Watson before stepping into a newly created role as director of performance and culture.
Watson’s departure to League Two newcomers Rochdale last week left the new look Mariners hierarchy with a decision to make just ten days after an investment that changed the club’s ownership structure had been completed. However, chairman Geoff Thompson delivered a major hint Williamson would form part of the Mariners management team as he discussed a possible contingency plan that would be implemented.
Speaking to The Gazette last week, he said: I won’t mislead fans, we have had an approach and my hope and desire was and is that Ian and Carl remain but there is a process underway. We are doing our best to protect the club’s interests and that is absolutely paramount.
“If you take an outcome where that comes to pass and Ian and Carl aren’t here, we have a contingency and I’m delighted we have a lot of resource within the club. The obvious names are people like Mike Williamson, who has an incredible pedigree and is a key part of the existing management team. I don’t want to leap forward too far - but in the spirit of being open, and not to mislead anybody, not least our fans, that is the situation.”
Williamson and Thompson have spent the last week in the Far East as part of a Mariners delegation that has visited local football academies, the Chinese Football Association and potential partners in the area - but it will be on-field matters that will be be the focus for the former Magpies centre-back as he returns to the lead role in the dugout for the first time since a deeply disappointing spell in charge of Carlisle United came to an end in February last year.
The Mariners will hope Williamson is able to replicate his successful period in charge of National League neighbours Gateshead as he led the Tynesiders to the National League North title in 2022 before guiding his side to the FA Trophy final 12 months later before a Wembley defeat against FC Halifax Town ended any thoughts of landing further silverware.
‘The obvious candidate’
Mariners supremo Thompson revealed his excitement over what could lie ahead with Williamson in the dugout and described the former Magpies boss as ‘the obvious candidate for the role’.
Thompson said: “Mike has quickly become a valued and influential figure within the football club. His leadership qualities knowledge of the game, and understanding of what we are trying to achieve made him the obvious candidate for the role. We are excited to see him lead the team into this new chapter and wish him every success.”
The Gazette understands Williamson is already working hard to add to his coaching staff and will benefit from two signings secured by Watson prior to his departure to Rochdale after the now-former Mariners boss landed a left-back and midfielder before accepting an offer from the League Two club.
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