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.
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His exploits at Gateshead quickly garnered attention and Williamson was one of the leading contenders for the League Two posts at Barrow and Hartlepool. He was short odds for both jobs and spoke to Hartlepool, but remained at Gateshead - only for the Notts County job to become available.
Williamson was second favourite to replace Ian Burchnall at Meadow Lane and was understood to be on County's short list.
No formal approach, however, was made to Gateshead and Luke Williams' appointment as Head Coach at Notts County this week will have been music to the Heed Army's ears.
Hopes are now high that Williamson can continue to build on what he has already achieved at Gateshead alongside assistant Ian Watson. Williamson has outlined his commitment to the Tynesiders by turning down his promotion bonus and increase in wages for next season.
It is a magnanimous gesture typical of the man as he sets his sights on making Gateshead a force again in non-leagues top-flight.
"We are building something at Gateshead and we just want to continue the momentum we've built up," said Williamson.
"Since we came in there has been a complete reform and restructure of the club and last season was a rollercoaster. We have now got a big season ahead of us and the hard work hasn't stopped as we plan for our return to the National League.
"We all know how hard it is going to be as there are a lot of big clubs that we will be competing with. The platform is there from last season and we have now just got to add some new faces to improve the group even further."
Williamson has lost 32-goal top scorer Macaulay Langstaff to National League rivals Notts County and midfield dup Jack Hunter and Danny Greenfield have also moved on.
Sunderland Kenton Richardson is the only new addition so far, but negotiations are at an advanced stage with several targets. Boston United's Golden Boot and Player of the Year, Danny Elliott, is on Tyneside this week as the Heed look to get that deal over the line.
A couple of defenders from a League Two club have been lined up along with another National League striker. Other options are in the pipeline, Williamson also likely to look at loan deals with Premier League neighbours Newcastle United.
Despite experienced shot-stopper James Montgomery being on the books the Heed could once again go down the loan route for a goalkeeper. That could see one of Newcastle's promising keepers cross the Tyne as Williamson looks to juggle one of the smallest budgets in the National League.
"We set out to win promotion last season and achieved that," said Williamson, "and we can now look forward to the challenge that the National League will bring."
