WILLO MANTRA MADE IN JAPAN

Heed boss looks to Kaizen to succeed

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THERE are approximately 5,768 miles between Gateshead’s International Stadium and the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

Yet the distance has been unexpectedly bridged in Heed player-manager Mike Williamson’s search for improvement on and off the pitch.

The former Newcastle United and Wolves center-back has always been open to new ideas and he is embracing a Japanese concept as he prepares for his third season in charge of the Tyneside outfit.

Kaizen – or change for better – is a belief encouraged in business communities in the Far East and they look for continuous improvement from employees at all levels.

The concept has been adopted by a number of sporting figures including New Zealand All Blacks legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw and England Under-21 goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Williamson is also a keen follower and is hoping to continue to improve the performances on and off the pitch at Gateshead this season by following the mantra set by him and his coaching staff.

He told The NLP: “I hope I have changed as a manager in the last couple of years – everyday improvement is the aim.