South Shields FC appoint Ian Watson as Men's First Team Manager

South Shields FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Watson as our new Men’s First Team Manager.

Born and raised in the North-East, Ian has now established himself as one of the brightest and most progressive young coaches in the country.

He started his senior coaching journey in 2019 at Gateshead FC, working as Assistant Manager under Mike Williamson, where he enjoyed considerable success by winning the Vanarama National League North title in the 2021/22 season, which was then followed immediately by reaching the final of the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium in the 2022/23 season.

The blueprint of winning football, coupled with a hugely attractive playing style drew the attention of many EFL clubs, and in October 2023 Ian continued his successful partnership with Mike Williamson when he was appointed his Assistant Manager at MK Dons who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

The pair then went on to guide MK Dons from a start position of 16th in the League 2 table to a play-off place by the end of the same season, with Ian building his reputation yet further for his progressive coaching concepts and the continued delivery of attractive, winning football.

In September 2024, the pair were appointed by Carlisle United, tasked with implementing a forward-thinking football philosophy. When Williamson departed the club in early 2025, Ian was retained as First Team Coach before returning to MK Dons the following month.

Watson now brings his energy, expertise, and winning mentality to South Shields FC at a pivotal time in the Club's journey. His passion for progressive football, player development, and building a winning culture perfectly align with SSFC’s evolving identity and long-term goals.

Geoff Thompson, SSFC Owner and Chairman, said:

"I’m delighted to welcome Ian to the Club. His track record and experience are exceptional, and I’m excited to see the progress the team will make under his leadership.

His appointment reflects our continued ambition to drive this Club forward. This is just the first of many exciting developments on the horizon."

Lee Picton, SSFC Sporting Director, added:

‘Ian is someone I have known for a long time and I’ve followed his progress and success over recent years with huge interest.

For me, it’s not just the calibre of his football and coaching brain that excites me, it’s his abilities as a leader and a standard setter that make him the ideal appointment for SSFC in my opinion.

He also has a proven track record in operating very shrewdly in the transfer market, while adding enormous value to players who are already in the building.

Despite 50+ applications from all over the world for the role, Ian quickly became our number one choice due to his outstanding skill set, highly aligned values, along with proven on-field results and we are delighted to get him on board with us to help facilitate our next stage of growth as a club.

Watson’s appointment is the first of several transformational changes coming to South Shields FC in the coming weeks which will herald the beginning of an exciting, new chapter in the Club’s journey.

For press enquiries, interviews, and media opportunities, contact: sam.jones@southshieldsfc.co.uk