Kenny Shiels' three-year reign as Derry City manager comes to an end

Derry City have announced that manager Kenny Shiels has departed the club after three years in charge.

The decision comes less than 24 hours after Derry’s humbling 5-0 defeat at the hands of St Patrick’s Athletic.

This result, on the final day of the season, was enough to see Derry drop below Sligo Rovers on goal difference into eight place- only one position above the relegation play-offs.

Despite winning the EA Sports Cup final at home to Cobh in September, Derry’s recent form has been poor, with just two wins in their final eleven league games.

Shiels has drawn consistent criticism from the Derry City faithful over the past few months, and the club’s decision to part ways with the manager won’t come as too much of a surprise.

The 62-year-old Magherafelt native took charge of the Candystripes in the aftermath of the 2015 season which saw Derry finish seventh in a then twelve team Premier Division.

Shiels’ first season was a successful one as Derry’s third placed finish saw them qualify for Europe. His second season in charge of City saw them qualify for Europe once again.

Shiels previously stated stated that he has turned down to job offers to stay at Derry on the back of a commitment from the chairman that he would be at the club next season.