History of Mike Williamson (footballer) in Timeline

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

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 1983: Birth of Michael James Williamson

On November 1983, Michael James Williamson was born. He would later become a professional football coach and former player.

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.

2013: Named Newcastle's Player of the Year

At the end of the 2013–14 season, Williamson was named as Newcastle's Player of the Year.

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.

May 2015: Sent off against Leicester City

On 3 May 2015, Williamson was sent off in a match against Leicester City, which Newcastle lost 3–0.

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.

2016: End of Newcastle United Contract

In 2016, Williamson's five-and-a-half-year contract extension with Newcastle United concluded.

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.

March 2020: Season Abandoned

In March 2020, Williamson's side were in eighth, two points off the playoffs, when the season was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 2021: National League North Manager of the Month

In December 2021, Williamson was awarded the National League North Manager of the Month.

May 2022: Gateshead crowned champions

On 2 May 2022, Gateshead were crowned champions and promoted back to the National League with Williamson as manager and was named National League North Manager of the Season.