Shiels out after poor campaign

KENNY SHIELS has left his role as Derry City manager.

The former Kilmarnock boss was in charge of the Brandywell club for three seasons but his side were disappointing this year as they finished eighth in the Premier Division.

The club’s board of directors moved quickly following the final game of the season, a 5-0 defeat away to St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night.

Shiels had to deal with some tough times during his tenure, including the sudden death of club captain Ryan Mcbride in March 2017.

But he did guide the club to their first trophy in six years when they lifted the EA Sports Cup in September.

However, a run of 17 league defeats in the last 23 ended up costing him the job.

A Derry City statement read: “We acknowledge Kenny’s contribution to the football club over the past three seasons, one of which was particularly difficult.”

With several players already announcing their departures from the club – Nicky Low, Gavin Peers, Rory and Ronan Hale have all gone, chairman Philip O’doherty will want to move quickly to get a replacement in as soon as possible.

Contenders for the job include former Derry City player and manager Declan Devine, who has been working with the IFA ever since leaving the Brandywell in 2013.

Devine, who led City to European qualification twice and an FAI Cup, is believed to be interested in a return to management.

Another high profile name is Northern Ireland U21 manager Ian Baraclough, who has League of Ireland experience, having led Sligo Rovers to the title in 2012.