Kenny Shiels has spoken of his pride at helping transform Northern Ireland into a "force to be reckoned with" in women's football.
The Irish FA announced on Tuesday that Shiels has left his role as manager, bringing the curtain down on a hugely successful three-and-a-half years at the helm.
Shiels succeeded Alfie Wylie in May 2019 and guided the senior women's team to a first-ever major tournament when they qualified for last year's Euro finals in England.
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It was unprecedented success that has etched Shiels' name firmly into the history of women's football in Northern Ireland.
During his time in the post Northern Ireland also welcomed record crowds to matches and played at Windsor Park for the first time since the stadium's redevelopment.
They also played European champions England at Wembley before featuring at last summer's Euros.
https://twitter.com/NIStats/status/1620469000399618049
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 finished runners-up in their qualifying group for last summer's Euros before winning a play-off against Ukraine.
At the finals they lost all three group games - to Norway, Austria and England - but it was a massive achievement for the team to even reach a major tournament.
Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson praised Shiels on confirming the 66-year-old's departure.
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 added: “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.”
Shiels leaves a legacy behind that will be a tough act for his successor to follow.
During his time at the helm, Northern Ireland achieved a best-ever World ranking of 46th in December 2021. They currently sit 47th.
They missed out on qualification for this year's World Cup finals, finishing third in their group behind England and Austria.
But the focus will be on qualifying for another European Championship finals in 2025.
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