Ian Watson (born 30 December 1985) is an English football manager who is currently the head coach of League Two club Rochdale.
Club career On 26 May 2017, Watson returned to Blyth Spartans for a second-spell. He left the club and announced his retirement as a player in January 2019, in order to take up a coaching role at Gateshead.
Coaching career Watson joined the coaching staff at Gateshead in January 2019.
On 17 October 2023, Watson was appointed assistant head coach at Milton Keynes Dons, joining head coach Mike Williamson whom he worked with at Gateshead. On 19 September 2024, Watson was appointed assistant head coach at Carlisle United, once again linking up with head coach Williamson. On 17 February 2025, Watson left Carlisle following the appointment of Mark Hughes as manager.
On 3 March 2025, Watson was named a part of the interim coaching staff at Milton Keynes Dons. He left the club on 28 May 2025, in order to pursue a managerial career.
Managerial career South Shields On 28 May 2025, Watson was appointed manager of National League North side South Shields. He was named Manager of the Month for August and September 2025.
Rochdale On 9 June 2026, Watson was appointed head coach of League Two side Rochdale on a three-year contract.
Managerial statistics
+ Managerial record by team and tenureTeamFromToRecordSouth Shields28 May 20259 June 2026Rochdale9 June 2026PresentTotal
Honours Individual National League North Manager of the Month: August 2025, September 2025
References
External links