Major development shared in Carlisle United’s pursuit of MK Dons boss | OneFootball

Carlisle United are set to appoint MK Dons boss Mike Williamson as their new manager.

Carlisle United are set to appoint Mike Williamson as their new head coach, with MK Dons set to receive £200,000 compensation.

The Cumbrians endured a miserable campaign last time out as they were relegated from League One after finishing bottom of the table.

Therefore, there was an expectation that they would bounce back, but they’ve had a very difficult start to the season in the fourth tier, losing five of their first six games, with Paul Simpson leaving after the defeat to Tranmere on August 31.

Since then, attention has turned to naming a successor, and it became apparent that Williamson was the number on target.

Mike Williamson to join Carlisle United from MK Dons

And, in a fresh development, journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that everything is in place for Williamson to take over at Brunton Park, with the 40-year-old keen on the switch.

“Williamson is moving from League Two rivals MK Dons after a compensation deal close to £200,000 was agreed. Results have been poor this season and Williamson wanted a return north. Dons are happy to take the cash and look for a new man.”

This will end Williamson’s time with MK Dons, following his appointment back in October 2023.

He inherited a side in the bottom half of the table, but a fine run under his guidance saw the side reach the play-offs, where they were beaten by winners Crawley over two legs.

Mike Williamson is a coup for Carlisle United

Even though the current season has been tough for MK Dons, with the side losing four of their opening six, you would have to say that this is a real coup for Carlisle.

As mentioned, Williamson transformed MK Dons following his appointment last season, so he has already done very well at this level.

Of course, prior to that, he won promotion to the National League with Gateshead during a successful period for the club.

What’s more, Williamson has developed a reputation as a very exciting young coach who has a clear style of play, so Carlisle will want the new boss to lead a long-term project.

That will be part of the vision for the owners, and Williamson will now want to assess the squad over the next few months to work out what’s needed. Then, in January, he will want support from above to make any new signings that are required.

Carlisle United will be hoping for a positive long-term future

Obviously, the aim in the short-term is to get out of League Two, but there will need to be patience with Williamson as he may not just bring instant success.

It did work out that way last season, and there’s no denying that Carlisle do have a squad that has enough quality to compete higher up the table. However, this is a team that has suffered for the past 12 months, and it may take time for the group to understand the methods of the new boss.

Carlisle United are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to take on Swindon Town.