Kenny Shiels leaves role as manager of Northern Ireland Women

Kenny Shiels has left his role as manager of the Northern Ireland women’s team, the Irish FA have confirmed.

Shiels had been in charge since 2019, guiding the team to qualification for their first ever major tournament at Euro 2022.

He signed a new two-year deal in April 2021, and in August had stated his intention was to carry on as manager ahead of Euro 2025 qualifying.

“I have enjoyed my time as senior women’s manager immensely,” said Shiels. “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.”

Following their historic qualification for Euro 2022, Northern Ireland players who were not on professional club deals went full time with the national team, entering a seven month training camp in the build up to the tournament.

Northern Ireland finished bottom of their group at the Euros, following defeats to Norway, Austria and England. Julie Nelson netted their maiden major tournament goal in their opening group match.

Despite his success on the pitch, Shiels’ time in charge was not without controversy. He was forced to apologise in April 2022 after stating that “women are more emotional than men“, and that this explained why his side had conceded goals in quick succession against England during World Cup qualifying.

Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson added: “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.”