Head coach Ian Watson left South Shields to take charge of League Two newcomers Rochdale last week.

Ian Watson has admitted he is sad that he won’t be in the home dugout at South Shields FC next season - but is excited by his new challenge with League Two newcomers Rochdale.

The former Gateshead and MK Dons assistant manager was appointed at Mariners Park last summer and led the Mariners to runners-up spot in the National League North during what is now his one and only season in charge. Promotion remained out of reach as AFC Fylde pipped Watson’s men to the league title on the final day of the season before Kidderminster Harriers claimed a play-off final win at Mariners Park just two weeks later.

The improvement overseen by Watson and assistant Carl Magnay captured attention from elsewhere - and it was Rochdale that won the race for their services last week. Watson has reflected on his decision to accept an offer to move into EFL for the first time as a head coach and revealed the ‘amazing opportunity’ had tempted him away from South Shields.

He told The Gazette: “I went into South Shields because I was excited by the project. The boys all got on board with it and they’re an amazing group so it was really hard to leave. The supporters were so supportive with me during a difficult period as well and that’s just something I will never forget.

“I had conversations with other clubs but I didn’t expect to leave Shields. When Rochdale spoke to me, it changed all of that. It became apparent it would be an amazing opportunity and something I can build with longevity and they were one of very, very few clubs that could have tempted me away.

“Rochdale have been amazing and it’s the energy they show that makes it feel like the right move. You meet the guys, they’re so positive, everyone is engaging and there’s a good feeling. I am excited to get going but have so much to prove and so much to do. I want to be part of really something special - but it still wasn’t an easy decision. I will always look back with fondness on my time with South Shields and I have sadness I won’t be in the dugout at Mariners Park next season.”

Journey

Mike Williamson and Ian Watson on the touchline at South Shields (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

placeholder image — Mike Williamson and Ian Watson on the touchline at South Shields (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Watson’s move to Rochdale marks the next step in his own journey from Northern League left-back to League Two head coach as he prepares his new side for their first season back in the EFL since 2023.

The now-former Mariners boss admitted he felt ‘blessed’ to have worked with the like of Gateshead stalwart Ben Clark and new South Shields head coach Mike Williamson throughout his career - but insisted he will keep working hard to maintain his progression.

He said: “When you look back, you realise it happens in stages. if I’d gone from Northern League player to EFL manager you’d think ‘wow’. But you have opportunities to coach in the National League and the National League North. It’s all been hard work and I have to make sure I stay humble and grounded but I’m

“Working with Mike Williamson and Ben Clark, my journey with Chris Bell, to have those people around me, I’ve been blessed. I’ve stacked shelves at Asda, I’ve coached since I was 15 and I know I am blessed. But I have to keep working hard to keep pushing forwards.”

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