With season tickets now above 2500 being last season and after the excitement of a Wembley finish seeing us into the EFL and with Big Jim off to sunny climes in Stockport, it’s good that the club board and the Ogden’s have moved quickly with their plans to find and appoint a new manager.
The Appointment of Ian Watson is a great choice, with proven abilities at other clubs and a determined attacking mentality, he will bring much to our new season’s campaign.
Below is from the Official site, which you can see HERE, but for clarity, we are publishing it here for your convenience.
On behalf of the Daletrust, its members and all of the fan base wherever they may be, we wish Ian a successful and happy time with us at the Dale. Let’s get behind the new manager for our 2026/27 campaign.
Thanks go to Simeon and the team on the Dale Club Board and to the Ogden family for such a speedy resolution.
UTD
Below is the club’s press release.
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.