Former Carlisle United first-team coach Ian Watson has been appointed manager of Rochdale. Watson joined Carlisle in September 2024, arriving from MK Dons as part of Mike Williamson’s backroom staff. He worked as first-team coach through the autumn and winter, including the transition period that followed Williamson’s departure and the appointment of Mark Hughes as head coach in early February 2025. Watson was in the dugout for Hughes' first three games, against Grimsby Town, Newport County and Colchester United. Carlisle confirmed that Watson left Brunton Park on February 17, 2025, after around five months with the club. Since then, the 40-year-old led South Shields to second in the National League North last season, however they missed out on promotion in the play-off final to Kidderminster Harriers in May. Watson takes over after former boss Jimmy McNulty departed Dale for Stockport County off the back of winning promotion back to the English Football League through the National League play-offs last season.