CARLISLE United have appointed Mike Williamson as their new head coach.

The 40-year-old leaves his role at fellow League Two side MK Dons, where he has been in charge since October 2023.

His last game in charge of MK Dons proved to be at Colchester United on Tuesday night, a 2-1 defeat in their Bristol Street Motors Trophy group opener.

A former centre-back for clubs including Newcastle United and Wycombe Wanderers, Williamson finished his career with non-league side Gateshead and subsequently became player-manager.

 

He helped the Heed claim the National League North title during his third season at the helm.

Williamson, who led Dons to a fourth-placed finish last season, is joined by coaches Chris Bell, Carl Magnay and Ian Watson who have also been part of his coaching staff at MK Dons. 

Carlisle have been without a manager since the departure of Paul Simpson in the wake of a 2-1 defeat at home to Tranmere last month.

 

They sit one spot above the League Two relegation zone and two behind Williamson's former employers following five defeats from six games this season.

Williamson is now set to return to Colchester for the third time this season with his new club Carlisle for a League Two clash, on October 5.