​Rochdale have confirmed the signing of midfielder Will Jenkins from South Shields, a National League North outfit, on a two-year contract with the terms of the fee not disclosed. The 24-year-old joins the club after a standout spell under the leadership of head coach Ian Watson and assistant Carl Magnay at South Shields, where he appeared in every league match and found the back of the net eight times.
Jenkins is a product of South Shields’ youth system, having joined the club at the age of 15. His development years also included loan spells with Dunston UTS and Morpeth Town, experiences that helped shape his game as he progressed through the early stages of his career. The midfielder’s time at South Shields culminated in a period during which he thrived under the guidance of Watson and Magnay, contributing consistently across the campaign and delivering a prolific goal return from the middle of the park.
Reflecting on the move, Jenkins said: “I worked under Ian and Carl for a full season, and I played my best football under them. When I got the phone call to say it was a possibility, it was a no-brainer for me.” His words underscore the strong impression the coaching duo left on him and the appeal of continuing his career under their management at Rochdale. For the clubs involved, the recruited midfielder brings a wealth of experience from the National League North level, along with the adaptability and technical ability gained from his time in South Shields’ setup and during his loan spells.
As for Rochdale, the announcement marks a significant addition to their squad ahead of the new campaign. The club will kick off their season with a Carabao Cup tie away to Tranmere Rovers on 1 August, a fixture that will provide an early test for Jenkins and his new teammates. The arrival of Jenkins is part of Rochdale’s broader preparations for the upcoming campaign, with the club aiming to build a cohesive and competitive side capable of challenging in League Two and performing well across cup competitions.
The signing generates anticipation among Rochdale supporters, who will be hoping that Jenkins can replicate the form he showed at South Shields, where his contributions were highlighted by both his goal tally and his consistency across league appearances. Jenkins’ ability to influence games from midfield—whether by driving runs, creating opportunities for teammates, or finding the back of the net—could be a valuable asset for Rochdale as they seek to establish momentum early in the season.
From a broader perspective, Jenkins’ move fits a pattern of clubs looking to incorporate players who have proven themselves at the National League North level and who can transition to the tougher demands of League Two football. His background, including his long association with South Shields and his development through their youth system, points to a player with maturity, discipline, and a good understanding of the tactical demands placed on midfielders in modern football.
In times like these, headline signings often carry the promise of immediate impact, but the true measure will be how Jenkins integrates with Rochdale’s existing style of play and how quickly he adapts to the pace and intensity of the league. Fans will be watching closely to see how his experiences at South Shields translate to success with his new club, particularly in terms of ball progression, defensive duties, and contribute to the team’s overall balance in midfield.
Keeping an eye on the calendar, Rochdale fans can also look forward to further updates as the club continues to build their squad ahead of August fixtures. The early-season schedule includes the Carabao Cup opener against Tranmere Rovers, which will offer an early platform for Jenkins to demonstrate his fit within the team’s strategy and to show the supporters what he brings to the table. All eyes will be on how Will Jenkins settles into Rochdale’s system, how quickly he bonds with his new teammates, and how his performances align with the club’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign.