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Williamson Thwarts Old Boss
Written by Newcastle Utd
Mike Williamson speaks to nufc.co.uk after his goal-line clearance helped Newcastle overcome Chris Hughton's Norwich
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
It was Chris Hughton who brought Mike Williamson to Newcastle United - and the former Magpies manager was left to rue that signing in his current role as Norwich City boss.
Williamson gave Hughton superb service following his arrival from Portsmouth in January 2010 and has continued to be a big player for Alan Pardew, demonstrated by a second clean sheet in the space of four days.
But that was only achieved thanks to the defender's vital goal-line clearance from Robert Snodgrass' first-half header shortly after Demba Ba had scored what proved to be the only goal of the game against the Canaries.
"I didn't really know if it was going in or not," the 28-year-old told nufc.co.uk. "I just tried to get it away and defend.
"That's my job and luckily we kept a clean sheet and we played well as a team.
"I thought we ground it out and showed our character. We were glad to get three points and it was a good day's work.
"We've had a lot of games and it's taken its toll on the squad with quite a few injuries but the lads who have came in have done brilliantly and I think we're finding our feet."
But although he ultimately frustrated his former manager on Sunday, Williamson was still keen to thank Hughton for taking him to Tyneside.
"I didn't really have time to catch up with him, but he's a lovely guy and I wish him all the best," he said.
"He's a fantastic manager and I'm just thankful to him for bringing me here."
Click here to buy a Newcastle United shirt with Williamson's name and number on the back