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Gareth Fullerton

Dean Shiels leaves Dungannon Swifts despite Premiership survival success

Dean Shiels has left Dungannon Swifts by mutual consent, the club has announced.

His departure comes just two days after Dungannon secured their Premiership survival with a 3-2 aggregate play-off win over Annagh United.

It brings the curtain down on a 27-month reign, during which time he also acted as assistant to father Kenny with the Northern Ireland Women's team.

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Dungannon said in a statement: "All at Stangmore Park would like to thank Dean for his time at the Club, his dedication to the job and all the time and effort he has put in since taking on the task of DSFC Manager.

"Dean departs with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes for the future."

Shiels described Dungannon's Premiership survival as a "phenomenal achievement".

He said: "No one wants to be relegated but we have to be realistic about where we are. The chances are increasing every year of getting relegated and there is no getting away from that," he added.

"With the financial restrictions at the club, we rely on young players to help us and we can't spend the money other teams can, that is a fact and it seems to be getting harder each year.

"We need to find a way to compete and that is the challenge this club is going to have, so the importance of surviving this year is huge."

Dungannon added: "We will immediately begin the process to appoint a new Manager and update you with any further announcements where possible. "

Shiels has been linked with a number of other managerial positions this summer, including Ballymena United and Cliftonville.

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