Carlisle United have reportedly secured the appointment of their new manager from League Two rivals MK Dons, Mike Williamson according to reports.
The fourth-tier outfit have been without a boss since the dismissal of Paul Simpson. Reports emerged yesterday that they were keen on a potential move for Williamson as pressure grew on him at his current club.
The MK Dons boss even dismissed claims he was set to become the Cumbrians’ new manager stating: “Since I came in, there has been speculation. I’ve been linked with two, three or four jobs. I’ve not heard anything on it, so I’m just focused on the boys, and from a really good performance, I want to watch the game back. I want to make sure we’re better for Saturday.” This came after their 2-1 defeat to Danny Cowley’s Colchester United in the EFL Trophy last night.
This caused some doubt as to whether the original reports were correct, however it has now emerged from Alan Nixon that a deal has been agreed for approximately £200,000 compensation, with Williamson keen to move back up north. It is also claimed that MK Dons “are happy to take the cash and look for a new man”.
This could be the first big task for the club’s new hierarchy with the new ownership and CEO likely wanting to show a sign of intent in their next appointment. Luke Payne of the Fourth Tier Fever podcast suggested that Ryan Lowe should be their next target, having left Championship side Preston North End recently but it is unknown whether he would be willing to drop down to League Two.
A peculiar appointment for Carlisle United
Results aside, Williamson has a very clear method of playing football, high possession and low risk. Despite Carlisle’s desire to appoint him, he will have to get a group of players who have not been assembled for that style of football to start playing that way, after the season has started and with the window closed. He is a long term manager who is not the sort of boss to come in and “save the season”. That being said if he can be provided with the right tools he did do well with Gateshead and did take MK Dons to the play-offs so there is reason to believe in his ability at this level, even if some pundits are left… unimpressed.