Mike Williamson: MK Dons appoint Gateshead manager as head coach
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Mike Williamson made 150 league appearances for Newcastle United during his playing career
MK Dons have appointed Gateshead manager Mike Williamson as their new head coach.
The former Newcastle centre-back replaces Graham Alexander, who was sacked on Monday after a run of eight League Two games without a win.
Williamson, 39, was in charge of Gateshead for four years and leaves them sixth in the National League.
He is the fourth head coach appointed by the Dons, who were relegated last season, in the past 10 months.
Although also registered as a player at Gateshead, Williamson only made a handful of appearances over the past two years - the most recent in a 2-1 win over Oldham in February.
They won the National League North title under him in 2022 and last season reached the FA Trophy final, but lost 1-0 to FC Halifax at Wembley.
"It's been a quick turnaround and it was a tough decision to leave Gateshead but when a club like this comes in, it's a no brainer," he told the MK Dons website., external
"We have a talented squad, with strength in depth, and we'll come in and start getting to know the group.
"They've got to trust us and buy into what we stand for - we have a lot of ideas that we want to implement, but it will be one thing at a time. It is going to be an evolution."
Williamson will be joined at MK Dons by assistant head coach Ian Watson and first-team coach Chris Bell, who both worked with him at Gateshead.
Chairman Pete Winkelman said Williamson would be given "every ounce of support" at Stadium MK.
"Mike is a winner," Winkelman said.
"He has achieved promotions throughout his playing career and already as a manager."
MK Dons, who are 16th in League Two, next visit Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
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