Kenny Shiels leaves job as Northern Ireland women's manager

Kenny Shiels reign as manager of Northern Ireland’s women’s team is over

It’s understood his exit is being negotiated with the Irish Football Association.

Shiels took charge of the national team in May 2019 and led them to their first ever major tournament at Euro 2022.

However, prior to the tournament he made headlines for the wrong reasons after saying "women are more emotional than men" following his side’s 5-0 defeat to England in a World Cup qualifier.

Shiels apologised for the remarks.

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.”

Northern Ireland failed to qualify for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, finishing behind England and Austria in their group, but secured a record points tally of 19 in qualifying.

They are not scheduled to play another competitive match until the start of qualifying for Euro 2025

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 said: “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.”

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