Shiels: I am relishing the challenge as Swifts boss

DUNGANNON Swifts have appointed former Northern Ireland midfielder Dean Shiels as their new manager.

The 36-year-old, the son of Northern Ireland women’s boss Kenny, has been assistant to his father but will now take over from Kris Lindsay at Stangmore Park and step into the hotseat for the first time in his career.

Caretaker manager Dixie Robinson will be in charge of the Swifts’ Danske Bank Premiership game against Coleraine tomorrow, with Shiels’ first match in charge being the visit of Larne on March 13.

“I’m delighted to join Dungannon Swifts. From the moment I met with the club, it felt the right decision for me and I’m grateful to Keith (Boyd) and the board for the opportunity,” said former Rangers ace Shiels.

“The club is going through a difficult period on the pitch at this moment and I’m fully aware of the challenge ahead but I’m excited to take it head-on.

“I have a strong belief on how the game should be played and I will guarantee I will give everything to put a team on the pitch to compete and be successful.”

The Northern Ireland women’s team will discover their Euro 2022 play-off opponents this morning (11am).

INSTITUTE have become the fourth team to withdraw from this season’s Irish Cup, citing concerns over a lack of playing time and financial support.

The north west club join Queen’s University, Newry City and Harland & Wolff Welders in pulling out of the IFA’S showpiece competition.

The delayed tournament is set to be played entirely throughout the month of May, now with just 28 teams.

MICK Mccarthy has signed a new two-year contract to stay on as Cardiff manager until 2023.

The former Wolves, Millwall, Ipswich and Republic of Ireland boss was initially appointed in January until the end of the season, but has made such an impact — the Bluebirds are undefeated in all 10 matches, winning seven, to move to within two points of the playoffs — that Cardiff have tied the 62-year-old down to a long-term contract along with assistant Terry Connor.

Mccarthy, who left Cypriot First Division club APOEL before joining Cardiff, added: “TC and I have enjoyed every minute of the time we’ve had at this great club so far and we’re delighted to be staying.

“I’m very much looking forward to the future.”