Sports Direct Premiership: Coleraine confirm new roles for Kearney and Shiels
Oran Kearney is the new Sporting Director with Dean Siels taking over as Head Coach
Oran Kearney says moving to Sporting Director at Coleraine will 'facilitate' the need for the club go to the next level.
Kearney is moving upstairs with the Bannsiders, with Dean Shiels taking over as Head Coach, following a brief spell as Kearney's Assistant last season.
In a club statement, Coleraine said: "This strategic shift aims to strengthen the club's overall football operations and ensure sustained success on and off the pitch.
"Oran’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the club's ethos make him the ideal person for the Sporting Director role, where he will oversee the broader football strategy and player recruitment.
"Dean Shiels, a well-respected figure in football with a strong coaching pedigree, will bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the team. Dean’s coaching philosophy aligns with the club's commitment to attacking football and player development."
For Kearney, he says the move is an important one as theclub aim to move towards a full-time model.
“The easiest thing for me to do would be to remain part-time, but it’s not about Oran Kearney; it’s about Coleraine Football Club," he says.
"Coleraine needs to go to the next level, and for me, it's about facilitating and making sure that step can happen.”
Shiels added: “What I want the most is fans coming up the road really looking forward to coming to games and having that connection. With the board, the new owners, the fans, the players, and the staff we are putting together, there has to be a togetherness. With everyone pulling in one direction, this is a powerful club to stop, and it will become successful.”
The club's CEO Simon Magee says it's an important move for the club.
“We wanted to change the structure to separate the roles of head coach and sporting director because it's such a big deal. We felt Oran had the expertise in that area, having the experience and contacts from his time in Scotland," says Magee.
"Then we saw the massive impact Dean has had in the last weeks of the campaign, the buzz he has for coaching, and the response he’s had from the current players. Those skills seem to marry up really well, where they could be a good team together.”
Coleraine Chairman Colin McKendry paid tribute to Kearney's time as Manager of the club across two spells at The Showgrounds.
"Oran's contribution to the club has been invaluable, and his new role as Sporting Director will ensure we continue to benefit from his vision and experience. With the facilities we have here, we are ready for full-time football. It’s exciting times in the Irish League.”
The move to full-time football comes following investment from new owners Ranald McGregor-Smith and Patrick Mitchell.
They say the move is part of a wider resutrtung of operations at Ballycastle Road.
"We are incredibly excited about the future of Coleraine FC with Oran and Dean at the helm. This restructuring is part of our broader vision to build a sustainable and successful club. Oran's new role will enhance our football operations, while Dean's fresh approach as head coach will invigorate our squad. Together, they represent the perfect blend of experience and innovation."