More praise for Longstaffs
GEORDIE BOYS REMINDED FORMER MAGPIES STAR OF ANOTHER PAIR OF TOON SIBLINGS
THE excitement on the faces of the Longstaff brothers during Newcastle United’s victory over Manchester United brought back happy memories of playing with another set of Geordie brothers for Mike Williamson.
The former Toon defender – now Gateshead FC manager – saw shades of the Ameobi brothers in both Matty and Sean, in terms of the pride, and elation of playing for their boyhood club.
Matty scored the winner on his Premier League debut having partnered his brother in centre of midfield – and Williamson was over the moon to see both lads turn out such a good performance.
Speaking at the launch of grassroots football initiative GiveToLocal, he said: “It really was inspiring for me to watch because I was there [at Newcastle] with Shola and Sammy, and it was similar; you could just see the excitement on their faces.
“I really enjoyed the fact on Sunday it didn’t faze the Longstaff brothers, they looked like they were still playing on the school playground in front of 50,000 people.
“Understandably they’re obviously going to be nervous and be apprehensive before but a mark of a good player and signs of things to come is the fact that only enhances
their strengths. When you’re on that stage that fear can kind of detract from the game but it didn’t, it only enhanced them so I think that that’s testament to them to and they have a bright future ahead.”
Williamson took over Gateshead in the summer, and after a summer of turmoil where the community rallied around the club with it days away from disappearing, he’s keen to promote the importance of community with in the region.
The GiveToLocal Scheme is a new innovation which aims to increase the funding to grassroots clubs and help them become more sustainable and provide better opportunities for the community. Partnering with the FA, the hope is that £5million will be put into the grassroots football which means those clubs signed up could potentially receive £2000 in additional funding.
“I think the concept is fantastic – it will make a massive difference to grassroots football.
“The more funding more opportunities, more facilities, and the better standard of facilities and equipment that all contributes to putting you in the best position to maximise your potential. Not everyone’s going to be playing at St James’ Park, but the fact is, if you love football, and that’s why all kids start, it’s a massive springboard to help you and this concept will just be a huge difference in helping young lads progress.
“The North East is a hotbed, when I first moved up here, I sensed it straightaway.
“It’s like a religion, it’s incredible, the locals are just so passionate about everything that they do, and especially football.
“There’s always going to be a gap between when you look at the very top of the Premier League to grassroots league football.
“But the fact is, initiatives like this is only going to help to bridge that and make it attainable.
“Everybody needs somebody because nobody makes it on their own – they need that support network, whether it be friends, family, grandparents, football clubs, coaches.
“Everyone who has played a top level will have a story about people in their life that’s really helped to educate them and to help them and mould them in right way, this is only going to contribute to that.”
Williamson was joined by JJ O’Donnell, and Newcastle United stars Paul Dummett and Rob Elliot to help promote the initiative.
The four came down in their spare time, and even with Gateshead facing Gloucester City on Saturday, Williamson was still keen to get down the Newcastle East End FC and help out.
“I always do what I can – I like to be involved.
“I’ve played at every level, and football, I love it.
“I’m still as passionate about it as I was when I was a kid, so any of these types of initiatives that I can come along and help, and just give a few words I will do.
“It’s not much compared to what these guys are doing really putting the time, effort and the hours in but for me as anything I can do, I’m more than happy.”