Club Statement: Ian Watson & Carl Magnay

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.