Mike Williamson has returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers after the club and Newcastle United agreed on a fee for the player.
Sheffield Wednesday were also interested in the defender, but the player decided to put pen to paper on an 18-month contract with the Black Country club.
The 32-year-old centre-back had played five games for Wolves on loan between October and November before being recalled by Newcastle to help with their growing defensive injury list. Williamson would soon join the injury list with a hamstring injury of his own.
Wolves had only conceded three goals and picked up six points in the five games Williamson appeared in, and Wolves manager Kenny Jackett is excited to have the veteran back at the Molineux.
“He made an excellent impact while on loan, and brought his considerable experience and leadership to the back four,” he told the club's official website. “We are looking forward to getting him back here and making another positive impact on the team.”
Williamson joined Newcastle from Portsmouth in January 2010 and featured in 170 games for the club, scoring just once. The defender fell out of favor at St. James’ Park under Steve McClaren and is looking forward to continuing his career.
“I just want to enjoy my football now and be a part of something where we are pushing for the Premier League,” Williamson told Wolves’ official TV channel.
One it, one out for Wolves
Left back Scott Golbourne has also been allowed to leave Wolves for Bristol City, leaving room in the defense for Williamson to fit right in despite being a centre half.
"We are losing one defender and bringing another one in which balances things out, and we are looking forward to Mike being back with us," Jackett told the club's official site.
After six long years of service, fans will remember Williamson for his solid defensive partnership with Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini.