HAPPY HEED HAVE A WILL TO WIN
GATESHEAD player-manager Mike Williamson is ready to make the most of the lessons he learnt during his first season in the dugout.
After an eventful summer on and off the pitch, the former Newcastle United defender was handed the reins as the Heed prepared for the National League North season.
Despite having to hastily assemble a squad, Williamson was able to lead his side to a play-off place – albeit by benefitting from the points-per-game method that was used to calculate the standings across Steps 1 and 2.
However, the Heed were to suffer play-off semi-final heartache as a 5-3 defeat at Boston United ended their hopes of securing an immediate return to the National League.
Williamson reflected on his first season in management and challenged his players to use their disappointment at missing out on promotion as motivation ahead of the new campaign.
“I took a lot from last season as a whole,” explained the Heed player-manager.
“Over the season, the supporters saw our style of play and our personnel change and evolve.
“We have created a really good atmosphere around the place and it’s all about how we react to what happened last season.
“We will use what we learnt last season, and make sure that we are stronger for it this season.
“For me, we have moved on from what happened, my focus is firmly on the next training session, or the next game and making sure we are as fit, strong and organised as we can be for the new season.
“We are still building, we are still learning, but we feel we are in a strong position for the new season.”
Culture
Gateshead kicked off their preparations for the new season with a 1-1 home draw against League Two side Carlisle United and hosted Phil Parkinson’s Sunderland on Saturday.
Further friendlies against Hartlepool United and South Shields are planned ahead of the big kick-off in October.
Williamson will continue to look at a number of trialists throughout his side’s pre-season campaign – although he has already dipped into the transfer market to add to his squad. Former York City duo Kallum Griffiths and Macaulay Langstaff both moved to the International Stadium last week and ex-Heed favourite George Smith also moved back to the club earlier in the summer.
All three signings appeared in the draw against Carlisle and Williamson believes that the trio have added to the “strong culture” that has been developed during his time at the club.
“All of the new lads did very well on Tuesday night,” he said.
“We know what they are about, they are tried and tested, and they have really good experience. “They give us a lot of energy on both sides of the pitch and they give us a lot of experience.
“They are fantastic additions; they have come in and really added to the strong culture that we have got at the club.
“That can only be a positive as we move towards the new season.”