Exclusive:‘A different level’ - South Shields FC stalwart backs Ian Watson as Rochdale reign gets underway

South Shields FC stalwart Dillon Morse has described Ian Watson as ‘the best manager he has worked with’ as the Mariners prepare for life without their former boss.

The former Gateshead and MK Dons assistant manager put the finishing touches on a move to League Two newcomers Rochdale on Tuesday afternoon after last season’s National League play-off final winners made an official approach to South Shields over the weekend. Talks between the two parties continued and an agreement on all sides was struck on Tuesday before the formal announcement of Watson’s appointment was made just hours later.

The deal brought an end to Watson’s one-year stay at Mariners Park and he made a sizeable impact during that time after inheriting a side that ended the previous season in the bottom half of the National League North table and leading a new look squad into a genuine push for promotion into non-league’s top tier. Morse, who recently penned a new contract with the Mariners, has revealed just how highly he rates his now former manager and explained why he was ‘on a different level’ to his previous coaches.

Speaking to The Gazette before Watson’s departure, the long-serving centre-back said: “He’s incredible and I have to say he is the best manager or coach I have worked with during my career. I think the detail he goes into, in and out of possession, the effort he puts into each and every training session, the matchday preparation is just on a different level. I’ve never experienced anything like it before.”

Incredible

Speculation over Watson’s future with South Shields has continued from the moment the full-time whistle was blown on their play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers last month. National League club Southend United were said to be keen on a move for the former Darlington defender and there was tentative interest from League One club Barnsley in the aftermath of the season. The Gazette also understands Salford City showed an interest in holding talks with Watson prior to confirmation of his appointment at their new League Two rivals.

Morse stressed he was not surprised to see Watson linked with a move to clubs from the EFL and National League as he described the new Rochdale manager as ‘incredible’.

Speaking at the weekend, he said: “We are lucky to have him at the football club to be honest because you see things circulating around linking him with moves to higher clubs and it’s really not a surprise at all. We are lucky to have him, he will be linked with higher jobs. I’d love to think we could progress with him in charge and get into the National League and the EFL because if we don’t, he will definitely get snapped up by a club higher up the pyramid because he’s more than capable of managing and coaching at a higher level. It’s his first managerial job and you look at the impact he has made. I can’t speak highly enough of him, he’s incredible.”

Your next football read: Ross Wilson confirms 'hugely talented' first Newcastle United signing - another to follow