Heed’s boss Will not be taking bonus

GATESHEAD player-manager Mike Williamson has forfeited his right to a promotion bonus following the Heed’s return to the National League, writes JEFF BOWRON.

Williamson has also extended that magnanimous gesture to his wages and will not be taking the improved terms set out in his contract.

It is a tremendous move from the 38-year-old which will save Gateshead a five-figure fee as they plan for life back at non-league’s top table.

Williamson will be working on one of the lowest budgets in the fifth tier at a club where every penny counts.

After piloting Gateshead to the play-offs in 2019/20 the former Newcastle man went one better this season as they won National League North by seven points.

Meanwhile, both the club and the player-boss have rebuffed an approach from Hartlepool United to put Williamson, who is on a rolling contract at Gateshead, on Pools’ managerial shortlist.

Williamson said: “The chairman and board at Gateshead have been different class and we are on a journey together.

“You can never say anything is definite in football but there are zero plans for me to move away from Gateshead.

“We have just completed a very successful season and the focus now is on getting everything in place for life back in the National League.”