The former MK Dons coach has taken up the top job at Rochdale

Ex-MK Dons assistant head coach Ian Watson has taken over at the helm of Rochdale.

The League Two side were a part of one of the most dramatic final days in recent memory, narrowly missing out on the title to York City in a thrilling clash between the sides which was ultimately settled in stoppage time.

Dale secured their return to the Football League via the play-offs in similarly dramatic fashion with an injury-time equaliser to send the game to penalties.

Boss Jimmy McNulty was then snapped up by League One side Stockport County, with Rochdale heading to South Shields to snag Watson and bring him back to Spotland.

Watson joined Mike Williamson at MK Dons in 2023 following the swift departure of Graham Alexander after just a handful of months in charge at Stadium MK. A popular coach amongst the players, Watson helped Dons to finish in the play-offs but returned north to join Carlisle United in an ill-fated move back north.

Watson would return to Milton Keynes to help Ben Gladwin in caretaker charge ahead of Paul Warne’s arrival before taking up the vacant role at South Shields last summer.

In his first season as a head coach, Watson led the Mariners to second in National League North, losing to Kidderminster in the play-off final to deny them promotion.

Taking up the role at Rochdale, he 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.”

Rochdale’s co-chairs Cameron Ogden and Simon Gauge added: “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.”

Several MK Dons players have reacted in support of Watson’s move, including Alex Gilbey, Liam Kelly and Jack Sanders.