Former Newcastle United defender and current Gateshead FC boss Mike Williamson says this weekend's FA Trophy Final will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of his side. The Heed boss will take to Wembley Stadium this weekend for the first time in his career - as a player, manager or fan - looking to add the FA Trophy to his already impressive resume.
Williamson has made the seamless adjustment to management and is yet to officially call time on his playing days, although a knee injury picked up in training means he's unlikely to actually play for the Tynesiders this weekend. Last season, Gateshead defied the odds to win the National League North title and have continued to impress in the top flight of non-league football.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a lot of us," Williamson told the FA. "I’ve never been to the old Wembley or the new one, so I’m looking forward to the experience and taking the family down.
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"But more than anything, we know we’re playing a really tough game against Halifax and we’re looking forward to the challenge. I don’t think you can quantify how much Gateshead means to me.
"I came in as a player, then a brief time as player-coach and then player-manager. I’ve been given the opportunity to learn, make mistakes and to really push my ideas onto the pitch and training.
"It’s been phenomenal and it’s a really community-based club, so we do everything we can to give back. The ethos is we’re in it together, win, lose or draw.
"For us, it’s just about making sure that we’re the best version of ourselves. It’s been a rigorous schedule, I’ve never experienced anything like it, but when I reflect back, I’m sure it will be with very fond memories.
"Our resilience and ability has got us here and we’ll need that again against Halifax. They’ve got a real identity, a game plan, they’re really organised and they’ve got players that can counter and threaten on the break as well.
"So, it’s going to be a real good, enjoyable tactical battle."
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