South Shields have a replacement ‘lined up’ according to reports as Rochdale appoint Ian Watson and Carl Magnay.
On Sunday, Geoff Thompson confirmed South Shields, who lost in the National League North playoff final to Kidderminster, have received an approach from an EFL club for manager Ian Watson and Magnay, with there plenty of interest from clubs in the duo.
Two days later, they both have been confirmed by League Two new boys Rochdale, coming in a replacement for Jimmy McNulty who left for League One side Stockport, who parted company with Dave Challinor following a playoff final defeat.
Mark Carruthers has since reported that South Shields’ current Director of Performance and Culture Mike Williamson ‘could be in line for a return to management’, though whether that will be as an interim or permanent is not yet known.
Williamson came in at the Mariners in January 2026, and was a voluntary first team coach.
Club Statement: Ian Watson & Carl Magnay
🔗 https://t.co/J5GLv0Flyv#SSFC #AlwaysReady pic.twitter.com/T2OlEm0RkN
— South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) June 9, 2026
Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson could be in line for a return to management with South Shields after Mariners boss Ian Watson completed a deal to take charge of League Two newcomers Rochdale.
Update from a busy afternoon via @ChronicleNUFC.…
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) June 9, 2026
SOUTH SHIELDS’ STATEMENT:
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.
💬 A final word from Ian Watson… pic.twitter.com/Rs6I5AKW2x
— South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) June 9, 2026
ROCHDALE STATEMENT:
Rochdale AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Watson as our new Head Coach on a three-year contract.
The 40-year-old joins from National League North side South Shields, where he made an immediate impact in his first full season as Manager, leading the Mariners to the Promotion Final.
Watson, who hails from the North East, is a highly regarded young coach who has earned recognition for his progressive football philosophy, player development, and leadership qualities.
Upon signing the contract, Ian said:
“I am so excited to become a part of this amazing football club.
“The club really aligns with me as a person and also shares the same beliefs in terms of the game model.
“The connection between the football club and the supporters is very special.
“I’m looking forward to creating some amazing moments with you all.”
Watson’s senior coaching career began in 2019, when he was appointed as Assistant Manager to Mike Williamson at Gateshead, winning the National League North title in 2022 and reaching the FA Trophy final the following year.
That success, along with the style in which it was achieved, earned the pair a move to MK Dons in October 2023. They took the club from 16th to the League Two playoff semi-final in that same campaign.
Watson then joined Williamson at Carlisle United in September 2024, remaining as First Team Coach after the latter’s departure.
He rejoined MK Dons a month later, such is the high regard he is held in at Stadium MK, before taking up the Manager’s role at South Shields in May 2025.
His team won 95 points during the 2025/26 campaign to finish second in National League North, achieving the highest finish in the club’s history.
They reached the Promotion Final with a 1-0 win over Buxton, only to miss out on promotion to the National League after defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the final itself.
Our Co-Chairs Cameron Ogden and Simon Gauge also commented:
“Ian is a coach that we have been tracking for some time and has been in high demand this summer.
“We are glad that we were able to secure our main target once Jim had left.
“In addition to Ian’s outstanding coaching ability, it became apparent when we spoke to him that culturally he is a great fit for our club.
“We are all excited to see where Ian can take this team over the next three years.”
The first interview with our new Head Coach will follow in the coming days.
We are in no doubt that our supporters will give Ian their full support. We’re looking forward to welcoming him and his family to the Crown Oil Arena, as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our Club’s history.
Taking to the Dale dugout 🫡#rafc pic.twitter.com/AA8oEU0ME6
— Rochdale AFC (P) (@officiallydale) June 9, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted as South Shields reportedly have a replacement ‘lined up’ as Rochdale appoint Ian Watson and Carl Magnay…
@jgrimmer53: Gutting man. All the best lads, thank you for a fantastic season
@JoeShieldsMag1: I wish Ian and Carl all the best after their efforts this season. Unfortunately this now may have consequences for us now as they could take players with them.
@AlwaysReadySSFC: Just glad it’s all announced now and we can move on! Need to focus on moving forward and hopefully not losing the likes of Blackett and Mann following them!
@SAFCsharpy: That’s gutting but that’s what happens when you have a quality management team. Best of luck to them both 💜💙
@AndyG1508: Was inevitable after all the rumours, thank you to Ian and Carl for one of the best seasons in a while and some excellent football, wish them all the best at Rochdale!!
@_SonOfTheDesert: Best wishes to them. You can’t blame them for wanting a crack at managing at a higher level.
@m0wk99: Ian Watson’s Blue & White Army 💙
@tomhwilliams23: Always like appointments that have a clear effort for continuity behind them. The style is a good fit to continue the work that McNulty was doing. Good young, up and coming manager. McNulty showed the importance of giving a manager time too
@garybrierley: Very happy with this appointment. Dale’s recruitment has been for a certain style of football and it looks like Watson has a similar possession based philosophy. Continuity is important. Watching the open mic training session gives me hope of an exciting team to watch.
@RochdaleFan: He might not have the EFL experience, but I quite like this appointment. Think he is a good fit for what we are looking for. Continuity to McNulty in that he plays a similar style, is an up and coming manager and process driven. Ian Watson 🔵⚪️ army! #RAFC
@joembeebam: Love it. Give him our full backing. We saw what time could do with Jim so let’s not get on his back straight away.
@HeedFan: His nicknames Busted. Hes a lovely guy. I hope he does well. Get used to, final entries, the process, eeerrrm and like. You gonna hear that a lot. Pleased for Busted its a huge opportunity for him.
@kian_rafc: Not my first choice but happy with this. Another young progressive manager should be in for some good football
