Mike Williamson's philosophy as Carlisle United job looms

With the former Gateshead and MK Dons boss’s era about to begin at Brunton Park, here is an insight into his philosophy.

Williamson outlined some of his principles in detail when he was unveiled by MK last October (watch below).

He was questioned about his preferred passing style of play and how he implemented his ways of working during his successful spell at Gateshead.

“It’s all about winning, but as well it’s about how you do it and how you go about it,” Williamson said.

“It’s a by-product of the best way we believe to go about winning a game.

“It’s not something we focus on for the sake of focusing on having a good identity. We want to disrupt the back line.

“I was fortunate enough to work with some fantastic players at Gateshead, who we were really open and receptive.

“It took a little bit of time. There was a bit of pain in the build-up and getting to there, but it’s [about] learning.”

Williamson had said he was attracted by “good people and a good project” when explaining his move to MK.

Williamson impressed as player-boss at Gateshead before his move to MK Dons (Image: PA)

He also said that communication is a key plank of his strategy as a head coach.

“The outcome is important. Winning covers a multitude of issues and problems but the main focus is to get our message across, crystallising everything as clearly as possible and we take everything else as it comes,” he added.

“I think there are so many ways of winning a football match – that’s why the game is so diverse and exciting.

“The main thing I believe is relationships, giving people good feelings to go out there and want to play. On top of that, there’s so much detail that goes on top of that.

“Everybody has got their way that they like to see their team. I think the fundamentals are players that care, players that want to run, players with intensity and passion, and on top of that, the outcome is uncontrollable – we try and control everything we can, which is the preparation.

“The process is to give them as much information as we can and then take as much fear away as possible. The boys have to play with bravery and courage – that can be a daunting prospect when things aren’t going too well.

“But the outcome is always going to be on the head coach, the manager. We’re asking them to do these things, and if they’re not there instantly, we’ll work with you.

“It’s the ceiling, maximising it. The process we’re going to build isn’t going to change – it’s only going to improve. Playing with bravery is really important and if they do make a mistake, then that’s on me.”

“The way we want to play, we want to defend as little as possible. If we can have the ball we do minimal defending, so it becomes a different type of defending.”

“I’m somebody that loves a test. The bigger the test, the more it scares you, the more I want to do it.”