Football: Shiels departs as Northern Ireland Women's manager

Kenny Shiels has left his role as Northern Ireland Women's Manager.

The former Kilmarnock and Derry City boss led the Northern Ireland side to their first-ever major tournament last year, when they qualified for the Euro 2022 Finals in England.

Despite losing to Norway, Austria and the hosts and eventual winners, the tournament was deemed another marked progression since Shiels took over from Alfie Wylie in 2019.

In a statement, Shiels said: “I have enjoyed my time as senior women’s manager immensely. I have worked hard with the players to raise their expectations and change their style of play so that we were a team to be reckoned with.

“This success has generated record attendance figures at senior women’s games and I was delighted to see so many of the Green and White Army travel to England to cheer us on last summer at the Euros.

“I want to thank everyone who has backed me, and the team, during my time as manager.”

They were unable to book their place in the World Cup Finals, due to take place in Australia and New Zealand later this year, having finished behind both England and Austria in their qualifying group.

Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson said: "Kenny’s impact on the women’s and girls’ game in Northern Ireland has been transformative. Securing that historic qualification to the Euros is forever etched in Irish FA history.

“We thank Kenny for his contribution to this and the success of the senior women’s team in recent years.”

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood added: “There have been some wonderful achievements for the senior women’s team under Kenny’s stewardship. We thank him for this and wish him the best for the future.”