Ian Watson vows Rochdale to exceed survival aim

Ian Watson has been appointed manager of Rochdale. Watson arrives after guiding South Shields to second place in the National League North last season. Jimmy McNulty guided Rochdale to promotion through the National League play‑offs last term. McNulty left the club last week to join Stockport County. The promotion followed a close contest for automatic promotion with eventual champions York City. Watson told BBC Radio Manchester that there will be huge games and the club wants to be successful this season. He said he has not come to merely survive or occupy a league position. He added the aim is to return Rochdale to the English Football League, raise its profile, and become a strong team within the league. Watson said the football he wants at Rochdale may differ from what most League Two clubs play. He emphasized the style will be slightly different, that the squad will embrace the philosophy, and that they look forward to attacking the league. He expressed excitement about the upcoming games.