We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Rochdale as the pressure increases on Ian Watson.
The 40-year-old took control at Spotland in the summer after Jimmy McNulty opted to join Stockport County despite guiding Rochdale to promotion to League Two.
Optimism was high after a National League campaign that saw Rochdale amass 106 points before prevailing in the play-off final.
However, the team are currently third from bottom following a run of three consecutive defeats, which has seen supporters begin to turn on Watson.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Rochdale manager in the event that a change is made.
Next Rochdale Manager Contenders
Adam Hinshelwood
Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood led the club to the National League South title last season.
The club have made a fine start to life in the National League this season and the club currently occupy a play-off place.
The 42-year-old had also helped York City to a total of 96 points in the National League during the 2024/25 season, with the Minstermen narrowly missing out on promotion.
Conor Hourihane
Conor Hourihane recently left his role as assistant manager at Leicester City last month.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder has made his intentions clear to return to management.
His only previous experience of being a manager was at Barnsley in League One last season and Rochdale could be the ideal location for him to kick on.
Stuart Maynard
Stuart Maynard guided York to the National League title in the 2025/26 season as the team edged out Rochdale on the final day.
York made the surprise decision to part ways with Maynard prior to the new season as they opted to hire Scott Lindsey.
Maynard’s stock remains high and he has already been linked with numerous football league roles this season.
Andy Woodman
The decision by Bromley to part ways with Andy Woodman raised a lot of eyebrows last month.
Bromley are playing League One football for the first time in their history this season, but Woodman was dismissed just three months into the campaign.
The former goalkeeper had previously led Bromley into the football league, before winning the League Two title last season.
Michael Flynn
It is now over 12 months since Cheltenham Town decided to cut their ties with Michael Flynn following a poor run of form.
Cheltenham had fallen to the bottom of the League Two table after picking up just four points from their opening nine matches.
The former Newport County manager may feel that he has a point to prove when he returns to the dugout.
