Maghera’s Kenny Shiels is new Derry City boss

Kilmarnock's manager Kenny Shiels warms up his players prior last Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tobermore Utd at Fortwilliam Park.mm28-335sr

Former Kilmarnock manager, Kenny Shiels is the new Derry City manager it’s been confirmed.

The 59 year-old Maghera man, who’s recently returned from managing in Thailand, met with Derry City Board of Directors on Thursday and has agreed to take over the Brandywell hotseat.

Shiels had been tipped as a successor to Eddie Patterson at Irish League club, Glentoran but the prospect of full-time football and the chance to ‘challenge’ himself in the League of Ireland was too good to turn down.

“Derry City are a fantastic club with great tradition and if you put everything together with the fact that they’re full-time - it makes it so endearing to me,” said Shiels.

“If you want to be successful sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and look to try and expand yourself and I think the challenge of the League of Ireland would be much more demanding on myself.”

Derry City advertised for the vacant position following a Board meeting last Tuesday night, inviting applicants with a proven track record and a ‘clear vision of how they can deliver success on and off the pitch for the club.’