St James’ but even top that
deserved to be at the club, and by the end he was something of a cult hero among supporters who recognised the commitment of a defender living a dream of sorts.
“I knew when I was there it was a special time. I loved the opportunity, the fans, the stadium, I really did enjoy myself,” he said.
“I look back and some of the memories and the games I played in – even when we were fighting at the wrong end of the table, against West Ham and when we had to beat QPR to secure our place – all those emotions.
“The relief and the pressure of those matches was something else. “Looking back now, I wanted to absorb it all. I’d had half of my career in the lower leagues and half in the Premier League. For someone with the grounding I’d had it was a case of stopping time, pinching myself and soaking in everything that was going on.
“It was a fantastic period. I’m very proud of what I did. It’s a different era now.” From the discontent on Tyneside to that at the International Stadium, he is no stranger to fan ire aimed at owners. When at Newcastle, United missed the chance of a great leap forward after finishing fifth and Williamson reveals that the lack of investment Mike Williamson in 2012 did knock the dressing room.
“I think it did affect certain players because I think when we had such a successful season and a great foundation, a lot of the players were hoping for investment from the club. We all did, to be honest, it would have given us a chance to push on and get a better finish,” he said.
“I was always just as grateful as I could be, the situation I was in at a huge club. I always just relished playing, any opportunity I could.
“So yeah, it would have been great to spend millions and attract the best players in the world but the fact is you’re still playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world and for me personally, I wanted to enjoy as much as I could about it.”
Now, he is once again proving a level head. “I’m just desperate to push on and it’s a huge opportunity Gateshead have given me,” he
For me it was about bringing a bit of experience into the camp but the main thing was just playing games again