WEMBLEY FAR FROM LIMIT TO WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE

MIKE WILLIAMSON reflects on Gateshead’s ‘amazing journey’ from the brink of extinction to Wembley – but insists the best is still to come from his side

- Mark Carruthers

Just four years have passed since the Tynesiders were taken to within 72 hours of going out of business before a supporter-led consortium succeeded with a lastditch takeover bid.

After being forcibly relegated into the National League North for financial irregularities under their former owners, the Heed’s new hierarchy carefully plotted a road to recovery, and one that started with the appointment of former Newcastle United star Williamson and assistant manager Ian Watson.

Their rewards for the loyalty shown in the duo have come in the form of a three visits to the ‘proper’ rounds of the FA Cup, a live televised second round tie against Charlton Athletic and, more crucially, last season’s impressive National League North title win that returned the club to Non-League’s top tier.

Notable

A run to the club’s first ever FA Trophy final – and only their second visit to Wembley – has been the latest notable achievement racked up by Williamson and his players – but the Heed player-manager still believes there is more to come in their story.

He told