Will Jenkins left South Shields to join League Two newcomers Rochdale earlier this month.

Will Jenkins has paid an emotional tribute to South Shields FC supporters as he prepares for his EFL adventure with new club Rochdale.

The academy graduate has become a key figure within the Mariners senior setup over the last 18 months and produced consistently impressive performances during that time. His form throughout last season captured attention from a number of EFL clubs - and it was Rochdale that won the race for his services in a move that reunites Jenkins with former Mariners management team Ian Watson and Carl Magnay.

Cedwyn Scott, Paul Blackett and Will Jenkins (L to R) celebrate after the latter scored in South Shields' win at National League North rivals Chester (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

placeholder image — Cedwyn Scott, Paul Blackett and Will Jenkins (L to R) celebrate after the latter scored in South Shields' win at National League North rivals Chester (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

The midfielder admitted he was left with ‘mixed emotions’ following his departure - but expressed his hope that his old club can now kick on and challenge for promotion into the National League once again this season.

He told The Gazette: “It was very hard to leave because of everything I had been through. Even on the last day, it was mixed emotions and something I’ve never experienced. With the bond with the fans, because I’ve seen the club in different states and because it’s progressed so much, that bond was there with the fans. I would like to think they could see I gave everything during my time with the club and I hope for their sake they can kick on. The club is ready to kick on, it will be tough this year, but it’s in a really good place.”

Faith

South Shields manager Elliott Dickman (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

After initially featuring in the first-team under Graham Fenton and Lee Picton, Jenkins was sent out on loan to Morpeth Town and Dunston UTS by their successors Kevin Phillips and Julio Arca. The appointment of Elliott Dickman saw Jenkins recalled midway throughout 2024/25 season and he credits the former Newcastle United and Sunderland academy coach with kickstarting his push into the EFL.

He said: “I spoke to Elliot the other day and he’s one of the ones where I have to be grateful. He put his faith in me, he liked what he saw in me and just went with it. I had to repay that faith he showed in me and luckily I think I have. I owe him a lot.”

Challenges

South Shields manager Ian Watson (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Jenkins made his debut for his new club as Rochdale suffered a defeat in their opening pre-season friendly at Northern Premier League club FC United of Manchester earlier this week. Their preparations for their return to League Two continue with a game against Qatari side Al Rayyan at the Pinatar Arena in Spain on Sunday and Jenkins is confident he can find his feet and impress under former Mariners duo Watson and Magnay.

“I had a few conversations after the season finished and I was hopeful the move could happen,” he explained. “Those two (Watson and Magnay), I played my best football under them, I enjoyed working under them, I like them as a people, and when you put that all together, why would I not want to go. It’s going to be a different experience and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

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