South Shields release official statement confirming manager change - replacement lined up

South Shields have confirmed head coach Ian Watson and assistant Carl Magnay have completed a deal to take charge at League Two newcomers Rochdale.

As first revealed by The Gazette, the news brings an end to an eventful few days at Mariners Park after club chairman Geoff Thompson confirmed the duo had been the subject of an approach from an EFL club over the weekend.

Watson has overseen a major turnaround in fortunes during his first and only year with South Shields after inheriting a side that had ended the previous season in the bottom half of the National League North table and guiding them into an ultimately unsuccessful push for the title.

Any thoughts of promotion into the National League were ended by a play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers - but Watson’s impact on the Mariners captured interest from clubs in the National League, League One and League Two.

The former Gateshead and MK Dons assistant manager will now step into League Two with Rochdale after they secured promotion with a National League play-off final win against Boreham Wood after coming out second best in a titanic title battle with York City.

A club statement released by the Mariners on Tuesday evening read: “South Shields FC can confirm that Head Coach Ian Watson and Assistant Head Coach Carl Magnay have departed the club to join League Two side Rochdale FC. While disappointed to see them leave, the Club is incredibly proud to have played a part in helping Ian and Carl progress further up the football pyramid.

“Their move is recognition of the outstanding work carried out during a historic season for the Mariners, which saw the Club achieve its highest-ever finish since reform with 95 points and a second-place finish in the Enterprise National League North. Following such a successful campaign, interest from higher levels of the game was inevitable, and we are proud to have provided the platform for both Ian and Carl to showcase their talents and take the next step in their careers.

Everyone at South Shields FC thanks Ian and Carl for their commitment and wishes them every success for the future. The club will now begin the process of appointing a new management team ahead of the 2026/27 season.”

Contingency

Mariners chairman Thompson has travelled to China with a delegation that included current director of performance and culture, Mike Williamson. The former Newcastle United defender appears to be in line to be named as successor to Watson - although it remains to be seen whether that it on an interim or permanent basis.

Speaking on Sunday, Thompson told The Gazette: “If you take an outcome where that comes to pass and Ian and Carl aren’t here, we have a contingency and I’m delighted we have a lot of resource within the club. The obvious names are people like Mike Williamson, who has an incredible pedigree and is a key part of the existing management team. I don’t want to leap forward too far - but in the spirit of being open, and not to mislead anybody, not least our fans, that is the situation.”

Your next South Shields read: Exclusive: New owners set to take South Shields FC and South Tyneside global as they eye China link