Rochdale Sign Will Jenkins From South Shields

Why the Move Matters

Rochdale have completed the signing of 24‑year‑old midfielder Will Jenkins, who joins from National League North side South Shields on a two‑year deal for an undisclosed fee. The north‑west club announced the acquisition as part of its midfield overhaul ahead of the campaign. Jenkins is set to compete for a starting berth alongside Rochdale’s existing lineup.

His South Shields Journey

At South Shields, Jenkins became a regular, appearing in every league match of the season and netting eight goals from midfield. He also worked under the guidance of former Rochdale coach Ian Watson and assistant Carl Magnay, who praised his work ethic. The forward‑thinking midfield role allowed Jenkins to contribute both defensively and offensively.

Development and Loan Spells

Jenkins joined South Shields at the age of 15, progressing through the club’s youth academy. He later spent loan spells at Dunston UTS and Morpeth Town to gain additional experience. These stints helped him refine his skill set before returning to South Shields for his breakthrough season.

What Jenkins Said

In his own words, Jenkins described working under Ian and Carl as the highlight of his season, noting that he played his best football under their management. When the opportunity to join Rochdale arose, he said it was “a no‑brainer.” His enthusiasm suggests he is eager to bring that same level of performance to the League Two side.

Rochdale’s New Season Opener

Rochdale will kick off the campaign with a Carabao Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers on 1 August, providing an early stage for Jenkins to prove himself. The match marks the first competitive action for the new signing and the squad as a whole. It will also serve as a benchmark for how the midfield unit performs under pressure.