Mark Carruthers: Mike Williamson will have a point to prove at South Shields FC

It would be safe to suggest the appointment of Mike Williamson as new South Shields FC head coach has divided opinion amongst the Mariners faithful.

Within hours of the announcement of his appointment, snap verdicts ranging from ‘underwhelming’ and ‘wouldn’t be my choice’ to ‘great appointment’ and ‘proven pedigree’ were delivered on social media - and although such outlets can sometimes become an echo chamber, on this occasion, it did provide a useful tool to gage the mood. Such a polarised view is perhaps understandable given the mixed nature of Williamson’s record since he was initially appointed as Gateshead player-manager way back in those pre-Covid days of 2019.

With the help of the man he has succeeded at Mariners Park, Ian Watson, Williamson pieced together a completely new look Heed squad in the weeks and months after the Tynesiders had been hauled back from the brink of going out of business by a supporter-led consortium. Success was not instantaneous - but progress was. An FA Cup first round appearance and narrow defeat against League Two club Oldham Athletic was a high point of those early months. As was securing a spot in the National League North play-offs before a semi-final defeat at Boston United ended any thoughts of promotion into non-league’s top tier.

Nevertheless, the foundations had been put in place for an exciting period in the Heed’s history as an attractive style of attacking play and some clever recruitment helped Williamson guide Gateshead to the National League North title, two further FA Cup ‘proper’ round appearances and an FA Trophy final over the following three seasons.

There was also a positive start to life at MK Dons as the former Newcastle United defender was tempted away by the challenge of working in the EFL - although after overseeing a major upturn in fortunes and a rise up the table, an 8-1 aggregate defeat against Crawley Town in the League Two play-off semi-final brought a sour end to the 2023/24 season. Perhaps the most chastening spell of Williamson’s career in the dugout came with Carlisle United as the Cumbrians headed towards relegation into the National League amid criticism over the perceived slow and methodical playing style and recruitment strategy. That disappointing spell in difficult circumstances remains his last spell in the lead role in the dugout prior to his appointment at South Shields earlier this month.

Patience

So where does that all leave Mike Williamson as he returns to management with South Shields? On one hand, the Mariners have appointed a manager with a National League North title, an FA Trophy final appearance and EFL experience under his belt. On the other, they have a manager that struggled to find form and results during his last spell in the dugout.

The reality of the situation is that there is plenty to prove for the new South Shields boss and the new look ownership group at Mariners Park. That should not be perceived as a criticism of either - far from it. It is a reality of where things sit right now after a summer of change on and off the pitch. Speaking to Geoff Thompson earlier this month brought one quote that stood out as he suggested ‘the proof in the pudding comes in the eating’ - and that fits for Williamson and the Mariners hierarchy.

Of course, for the ownership group, actions will speak louder than words - although there should be patience shown as some changes being discussed may take longer to come to fruition. The visit to China and Singapore has provided an insight into the ambitious plans and discussions I’ve had with those in and around the club suggest the hard work to realise those ambitions are already well underway.

Positive

For Williamson, patience may well be a privilege, rather than a guarantee. He is inheriting a squad that challenged at the top end of the National League North last season and despite suffering disappointment in the title race and play-off final, the campaign can be viewed as one of progress and positivity. There have been departures and they will allow Williamson and newly-appointed assistant manager Stephen Harrison to put their own stamp on the squad they inherited earlier this month.

As reported by The Gazette earlier this month, two new signings have already been secured with an experienced left-back and a young midfielder from an EFL club set to be announced after agreeing to join the Mariners prior to Watson’s departure to League Two newcomers Rochdale. Further new faces will follow over the coming weeks - but there is no doubt, the foundations are already in place for another push for a historic promotion into the National League and Williamson will be backed by the Mariners hierarchy. Of course, that will bring added pressure for the new man in charge as he looks to enjoy a successful first summer in the transfer market and there will be a need to hit the ground running in a challenging National League North that has been bolstered by the arrival of a number of ambitious clubs.

Although too much can never be read into pre-season results, a slow start to the competitive season will bring further questions - although nobody will need tell Mike Williamson of what could lie ahead given his invaluable experience of playing at a high level and managing in the most challenge of environments. My own experience of covering a club that Williamson managed was overwhelmingly positive as he helped pick Gateshead off the floor and established them in the National League. Now he has to prove is that he is the man to do the latter at South Shields.

On and off the pitch, actions will speak louder than any words can.

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