Kenny Shiels has been appointed the new manager of the Northern Ireland women's football team.
The former Derry City manager succeeds Alfie Wylie, who recently moved to the role of Head of Women’s Elite Performance
Shiels has previously worked with the IFA for eight-years as an underage coach, leading them to the under-17 European Championship finals in 2004.
He'll now look to steer the senior women's team to the Euros in 2021, they'll face Norway, Wales, Belarus and the Faroe Islands in qualifying.
"I am extremely proud to have been appointed to this role and I am delighted to be manager of my country’s senior women’s international team. Women’s football is the fastest growing area of the game and it is hugely exciting to be taking up this role at this time", Shiels said of his new job.
"I want to do everything that I can to bring success to Northern Ireland. There is a lot of work to do but I am convinced that I can help this group of players compete and push for qualification for major tournaments."
Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said of the appointment.
"With the launch of our new women’s and girls’ strategy, the appointment of a new head of elite performance for women’s football and now a top-class women’s international team manager in place, I believe that the foundations are now in place to enable women’s football in Northern Ireland to move to the next level.
"Kenny Shiels is a fantastic coach with vast experience in the game. He has the necessary skill-set and knowledge to make a positive difference to our international side. I am excited about watching how he will develop our team and am confident he will help Northern Ireland be successful in the months and years to come.
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