Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson is set for a managerial move.

The ex-central defender is leaving Gateshead after four years to pursue the challenge of coaching MK Dons.

The League Two club had the ex-Magpie on the top of their list after Graham Alexander departed.

Gateshead confirmed Williamson's departure in an official statement, as club chairman Neil Pinkerton said: "Mike has been a fantastic servant to Gateshead Football Club and agreed to re-join the club, alongside Ian and Chris, at a time when we didn't have a single contracted player following our demotion in 2019.

“The success they have brought to our club is testament to them as individuals and as a collective team, of which there are many more.

“An approach from MK Dons - a club in the EFL that was only recently in the Championship – proved too much to turn down and we wish them every success, of which we are sure they will be."