Former Newcastle United player now has release clause met – Takes new managerial role


 
 
 
 
 
 

An interesting development with former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.

With MK Dons now putting out an official announcement (see below) stating that Williamson’s release clause has been triggered.

Mike Williamson did a superb job against the odds at Gateshead but was then poached by MK Dons in October 2023.

The League Two side had sacked Graham Alexander after eight matches without a win and the one-time Newcastle player worked a minor miracle to turn them around, actually finishing fourth last season, only to miss out on promotion in the play-offs.

Only six league games into this season and fellow League Two side Carlisle United have now poached Mike Williamson and his backroom staff from MK Dons.

Taking the club over in November 2023, the Piatek family are from Jacksonville, Florida, these new Carlisle United owners clearly ambitious and interesting to see what Mike Williamson can achieve there.

MK Dons official announcement – 19 September 2024:

‘MK Dons can confirm Head Coach Mike Williamson has today departed the club to join fellow Sky Bet League Two side Carlisle United.

Williamson will be joined by Assistant Head Coach Ian Watson as well as First Team Coaches Chris Bell and Carl Magnay.

MK Dons made every effort to keep Mike and his coaching staff, rejecting an initial approach before Carlisle indicated they would be willing to meet a release clause in his contract.

At this stage, Mike was granted formal permission to speak with Carlisle and indicated he wished to pursue the opportunity.

MK Dons would like to thank Mike, Ian, Chris and Carl for their efforts during their time at Stadium MK. Everyone at MK Dons wishes them every success in the future.

Dean Lewington will now temporarily take charge of the team and will take training tomorrow. The club captain will also be in the dugout when MK Dons face Doncaster Rovers at Stadium MK on Saturday.

Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim, CEO Neil Hart, Sporting Director Liam Sweeting and Performance and Operations Director Simon Crampton have already actively begun the search for a new Head Coach.

MK Dons look forward to updating supporters on the appointment very soon.’