MK Dons' coach Ian Watson leaves club to take manager role at South Shields

Ian Watson has left his position as a First Team Coach at MK Dons to take the role as manager at South Shields.

Watson replaces Elliott Dickman, who left his position with the North East-based club earlier this month, with Watson to take charge of the Mariners in the National League North next season.

The move sees Watson leave after a second spell working with MK Dons, having re-joined the club in March and worked with the club in the final three months of the just completed season.

Watson had first moved to Milton Keynes as part of Mike Williamson’s coaching staff when the former Newcastle defender was appointed as Graham Alexander’s replacement in October 2023.

After leaving Milton Keynes to be part of Williamson’s set-up at Carlisle United in September 2024, Watson left Carlisle when Williamson was ousted in January, and he found himself back in Milton Keynes as part of Ben Gladwin’s coaching team when he was made interim Dons boss after the sacking of Scott Lindsey.

Nicknamed Busty by players and other members of the MK Dons’ set-up, the move sees Watson leave the club, which will be facing a first full season under the management of Paul Warne next season after the arrival of the former Rotherham and Derby boss in April.

In a brief statement, the League Two club said, “MK Dons would like to thank Ian Watson for all his efforts during his time at Stadium MK and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

The Dons’ Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said, “In a difficult moment for the Club, I put a call in to Busty, and by that evening he had travelled four hours to Milton Keynes and was in the hotel in our Stadium, ready to help in any way he could. I think that sums up his mentality and willingness to step in and support Ben and the staff at that time.

“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 certainly did that. I thank him for all his efforts during his time with us.”