Carlisle United Football Club have revealed Mike Williamson as the club’s new Head Coach. 

Williamson, 40, makes the move to Brunton Park after leaving his role as Head Coach at fellow League Two side MK Dons. 

Williamson is joined by fellow MK Dons staff as Assistant Head Coach Ian Watson along with First Team Coaches Chris Bell and Carl Magnay make the move to the North West club.

In a statement on the MK Dons website the club said: “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.”

Mike Williamson is a former centre back who made over 400 appearances during his playing career, most notably in the Premier League with Newcastle United, where he played over 150 times. 

He went on to finish his playing career at Gateshead, where he initially signed as a player before being appointed as player-manager. 

He led the North East side to the National League North title in his third season as manager and was named the manager of the season in the same year. 

Williamson then guided Gateshead to a 14th place finish back in the National League and also took the north-east club to their first ever FA Trophy final, eventually losing out to Halifax Town.

He took over at Stadium:MK in October 2023 and led them to a fourth-placed finish last season.