Former Premier League star, 41, sacked by Carlisle after just 25 games as they release blunt 56-word statement

A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games.

Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015.

But after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, he has been relieved of his duties.

That is despite being allowed to make 12 signings in the January transfer window including former Magpies team-mate Paul Dummett.

Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.

Carlisle said in a brief 56-word statement: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect.

“Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.

“The club will give a further update in the coming days.”

That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.

Fans chanted “out, out, out” as Williamson trudged down the tunnel.

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And they got their wish with his dismissal as the club face back-to-back relegations.

Williamson left his role at MK Dons in September to take over from Paul Simpson at Carlisle.

Simpson was in charge when they were relegated last season and oversaw three defeats in the club’s first four league games of the 2024-25 campaign.

Mark Birch was interim boss for three weeks before the deal was struck with MK Dons for Williamson’s arrival.

However, the ex-Wolves, Wycombe and Watford centre-back struggled to make the impact he wanted in Cumbria.

In his 25 games in the dugout, Williamson managed just five wins, six draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of a mere 20 per cent.

That included a nightmare run of five defeats out of six in 2025.

Williamson started his managerial career with Gateshead as player-manager in 2019.

He led the Tynesiders to promotion from the National League North before a 14th-place National League finish and a run to the FA Trophy final in 2022-23.

Williamson left Gateshead sixth in the National League when he joined MK Dons in October 2023 but missed out on promotion in the play-offs last term.

Williamson made 134 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring one goal and keeping 33 clean sheets for the Toon Army.

He was even named the Toon’s Player of the Year in 2013-14 before finishing his playing days by dropping down through the EFL and into non-league.