Career Timeline of Mike Williamson (footballer): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2026

Discover the career path of Mike Williamson (footballer), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael James Williamson is an English former professional football player and coach. A defender, he notably played for Wycombe Wanderers and Newcastle United, contributing to their respective promotions from Football League Two and the Championship. Currently, Williamson is the Director of Performance and Culture at South Shields, a National League North club, transitioning from playing to a performance-focused role within football.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 2001: Williamson joins Southampton

In November 2001, Williamson joined Southampton from Torquay United for a fee around £100,000.

July 2004: Loan to Wycombe Wanderers

In July 2004, Tony Adams, the manager of Wycombe Wanderers, secured Williamson's services on a season-long loan.

2005: Permanent move to Wycombe Wanderers

In 2005, Williamson's loan move to Wycombe Wanderers was made permanent at the end of the 2004-05 season.

January 2009: Signs for Watford

On 26 January 2009, Williamson signed for Watford for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.

August 2009: Transfer request at Watford

On 27 August 2009, Williamson handed in a transfer request at Watford, declaring himself unfit for the away game at Swansea City.

September 2009: Accepted offer from Portsmouth

On 1 September 2009, Watford accepted a £2 million offer from Portsmouth, potentially rising to £3 million.

January 2010: Signs for Newcastle United

On 27 January 2010, Williamson signed for Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee and made his debut the same day. It was revealed he was initially signed on an emergency loan deal.

December 2010: Signs contract extension with Newcastle United

On 3 December 2010, Williamson signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract extension with Newcastle United, which ran until 2016.

August 2014: First goal for Newcastle United

On 30 August 2014, Williamson scored his first goal for Newcastle United in a 3–3 home league draw against Crystal Palace.

October 2015: Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 29 October 2015, Williamson was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers for one month and made his debut two days later.

January 2016: Signs permanently with Wolves

On 29 January 2016, Williamson signed an 18-month contract with Wolves after impressing during his earlier loan spell.

January 2017: First senior appearance for Wolves

On 7 January 2017, Williamson made his first senior appearance for Wolves since signing permanently.

April 2017: Final appearance for Wolves

On 29 April 2017, Williamson made his final appearance for Wolves in a 3–1 defeat to Derby County.

May 2017: Release by Wolves

On 19 May 2017, it was announced that Williamson would be released by Wolves upon the expiry of his contract.

July 2017: Signs for Oxford United

On 26 July 2017, Williamson signed for Oxford United of League One on a one-year contract.

August 2018: Signs for Gateshead

In August 2018, Williamson signed a one-year contract with Gateshead.

January 2019: Becomes player-coach at Gateshead

On 14 January 2019, Williamson became a player-coach at Gateshead after Ben Clark was appointed manager permanently.

June 2019: Appointed player-manager of Gateshead

On 11 June 2019, Williamson was appointed as player-manager of Gateshead.

2022: Guided Gateshead to 14th place finish

In the 2022–23 season, Williamson guided Gateshead to a 14th-place finish in the National League and a place in the 2023 FA Trophy final.

October 2023: Appointed manager of Milton Keynes Dons

On 17 October 2023, Williamson was appointed manager of League Two club Milton Keynes Dons.

October 2023: Leaves Gateshead

Williamson left Gateshead in October 2023 with the club in 6th position in the National League.

September 2024: Appointed head coach of Carlisle United

On 19 September 2024, Williamson was appointed head coach of League Two club Carlisle United.

February 2025: Sacked by Carlisle United

On 3 February 2025, Williamson was sacked by Carlisle United.

July 2025: Appointed first-team coach at Rangers

On 3 July 2025, Williamson was appointed first-team coach at Scottish Premiership side Rangers.

October 2025: Removed from position at Rangers

On 5 October 2025, Williamson was removed from his position at Rangers.

January 2026: Named voluntary coach at South Shields

In January 2026, Williamson was named as a voluntary first-team coach at National League North side South Shields.

April 2026: Named Director of Performance and Culture

On 9 April 2026, it was announced that Williamson had been named as South Shields' Director of Performance and Culture.

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