Former Carlisle United No2 lands non-league manager job
He has been appointed boss of National League North club South Shields.
The move sees Watson leave his coaching position at League Two club MK Dons.
The 39-year-old replaces Elliott Dickman at the sixth-tier club.
Watson had been part of Mike Williamson's coaching team at Brunton Park from last September.
He remained at the club for a short period after Williamson's February sacking but then left early into Mark Hughes' tenure.
Watson duly returned to MK Dons, having previously worked there alongside Williamson, as part of interim boss Ben Gladwin's caretaker side.
The former Gateshead coach now moves into the hotseat for the first time at a club who finished 17th in National League North last season.
South Shields described north east native Watson as "one of the brightest and most progressive young coaches in the country".
Watson, centre, was part of Mike Williamson's backroom team at Carlisle (Image: Richard Parkes)
In a statement, club owner Geoff Thompson 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."
South Shields said Watson emerged as their top choice after the vacancy attracted more than 50 applicants.
South Shields FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Watson as our new Men's First Team Manager. Welcome to the Mariners, Ian ⚓️#SSFC #AlwaysReady
— South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) May 28, 2025
Sporting director Lee Picton added: "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.
Hughes: Carlisle United will be 'cup final' for National League rivals
"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."
South Shields' squad includes the former Carlisle loan midfielder Martin Smith. Another ex-Blue, former Brunton Park youth defender Dillon Morse, was released by the club this summer.
MK Dons, who recently appointed Paul Warne as their new boss, wished Watson well with sporting director Liam Sweeting - who almost joined Carlisle last season - saying: "His connection with the players and his genuine passion for this club were evident every single day.
"While we would have loved for him to stay with us, he starts his own journey of leadership, and I very much look forward to watching this next chapter of his career.
'As we often see, good people join our journey and really connect with this club – Busty [Watson] certainly did that. I thank him for all his efforts during his time with us.'
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