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Gareth Fullerton

Kenny Shiels to step down as Northern Ireland Women's manager - reports

Kenny Shiels is set to end his three-and-a-half-year reign as Northern Ireland Women's manager.

It has been reported that Shiels - whose two-year contract is set to expire in April - is to leave his role.

It comes less than a year after Northern Ireland made history by qualifying for the European Championship, the country's first major finals.

Read more: West Ham United linked with late bid for Cliftonville teen Sean Moore

Since succeeding Alfie Wylie as senior manager in May 2019, Shiels oversaw a massive transformation in Northern Ireland's fortunes.

They peaked when finishing runners-up in their European qualifying group before winning a play-off against Ukraine to book their place in last summer's finals in England.

They lost all three group games in the finals - against Norway, Austria and England - but it was a massive achievement for the team to reach a major tournament.

Northern Ireland failed to qualify for this year's World Cup finals, finishing third in their group behind England and Austria.

During Shiels' time at the helm, Northern Ireland recorded a best-ever World ranking of 46th in December 2021. They currently sit 47th.

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