Shiels leaves Coleraine job ahead of Euro play-off

Dean Shiels has left his role as Coleraine head coach ahead of the club's European play-off on 7 May.

Shiels was appointed in May 2024 and guided the Bannsiders to fifth in the Irish Premiership as the club transitioned into full-time football.

After a spell as Oran Kearney's assistant, the 40-year-old stepped up to head coach at the Showgrounds after his brother-in-law moved into a director of football role at the club.

Former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins in the frontrunner to take over from Shiels and could be in position for the European play-off semi-final on Wednesday, 7 May.

The Bannsiders will face either Crusaders or Irish Cup semi-finalists Dungannon Swifts in the play-off.

Michael O'Connor, Shiels' assistant coach, has also left the Showgrounds.