Mike Williamson is set to extend his time at Gateshead into a fifth season following a summer of speculation. The former Newcastle defender joined Gateshead as a player in 2018, a role he was later to combine with some coaching input.
But it was after stepping into the Heed hotseat that Williamson was to catch the eye, despite his first two managerial campaigns being affected by Covid-19. After taking the club to a play-off semi-final in 2020 the 38-year-old guided Gateshead to the Vanarama National League North title last season.
They did it in style too, scoring 99 goals while accruing 94 points to win the league by seven points and gain promotion back to the National League. Williamson was presented with the National League North Manager of the Year award at the league's annual dinner last weekend.