Latest news with #DeanShiels
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Lyons-Foster swaps Glentoran for Coleraine
Coleraine will sign Kodi Lyons-Foster from Irish Premiership rivals Glentoran at the conclusion of his contract at the Oval next month. Lyons-Foster impressed during his one season with Glentoran having previously spent time in the academy structures at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender has signed a "multi-year" deal with the Bannsiders who finished fifth in the league this season before replacing manager Dean Shiels with Ruaidhri Higgins and losing the European play-off final to Cliftonville. "After speaking to Ruaidhri, I was excited by the plans for the future and the ambition around the club," Lyons-Foster told Coleraine's club website. "I've really enjoyed my time in the league and I'm grateful to Glentoran, but this felt like the right move for me."I've heard brilliant things about the fans and the atmosphere at The Showgrounds, and when I played there this season it really stood out. I'm excited about what's ahead and buzzing to get started."Coleraine have already signed Irish Premiership player of the season Joel Cooper from Linfield for next season after "significant investment" from new majority owner Henry Ross. For Glentoran, it is the second prominent departure in three days after it was confirmed on Friday that Fuad Sule will also sign elsewhere upon the conclusion of his Sule and Lyons-Foster were voted onto the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Team of the Year for last season.
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ruaidhri Higgins: I want to prove that Coleraine were right to bring me in by inspiring Euro joy
The former Derry City chief replaced Dean Shiels just over a week ago, but he couldn't have wished for a better start as he helped the Bannsiders negotiate a midweek European Play-Off Semi-Final against Crusaders, when an early goal from striker Declan McManus was enough to get Higgins' boys over the line.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coleraine FC announce major shake-up as ex-Derry City boss set to replace Dean Shiels
Coleraine have announced that head coach Dean Shiels has departed the club "with immediate effect", just days out from the club's massive European playoffs. Assistant coach Michael O'Connor has also left the Bannsiders in a major shake-up at the Showgrounds. The European playoff semi-finals take place next week, with Coleraine set to play either Dungannon Swifts or Crusaders, depending on the outcome of Saturday's Irish Cup final. It is expected that former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins will be appointed as Shiels' successor in the coming days, to take the club into those crunch playoffs. READ MORE: NIFL European playoffs update as dates and 'scenarios' confirmed READ MORE: Glentoran announce signing of former Rangers and Celtic youth midfielder The Showgrounds club said in a statement: "Coleraine Football Club can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the club.. "The Bannsiders would like to extend sincere thanks to Dean and Michael for their commitment, professionalism and service during their time at The Showgrounds. Both leave with the utmost respect and gratitude, and will always be warmly welcomed back in the future." Shiels was only appointed in May last year, coming in to replace Oran Kearney who moved into a Sporting Director role with the Bannsiders. Kearney's role remains uncertain at the Showgrounds. During his first season in charge Shiels guided Coleraine to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership. Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross said: 'Dean has led the team with great passion, and we are grateful for the energy and dedication he brought to the club. Michael has been a tremendous presence within the dressing room and on the training ground, providing invaluable support to our players. Coleraine FC can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the story#COTB — Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) April 30, 2025 "On behalf of everyone connected to Coleraine Football Club, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dean and Michael, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.' Higgins will be a big appointment for Coleraine. He left Derry City in November last year after three-and-a-half years at the Brandywell. During his tenure the former Coleraine defender led the Candystripes to runners-up spot in the League of Ireland and won the FAI Cup in 2022. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ruaidhri Higgins targets 'success and pride' as he takes over the reins at Coleraine
Ruaidhri Higgins has set his targets after his appointment as Coleraine manager was confirmed by the club. The former Derry City boss takes over the reins at The Showgrounds following Dean Shiels' departure earlier this week. Higgins, who finished his playing career at The Showgrounds, says the club "means a great deal" to him as he looks to build something that brings "success on the pitch and pride off it". READ MORE: IFA issues statement on Irish Cup final penalty shootout decision READ MORE: Belfast college in talks with Liverpool FC over exciting new venture 'I'm honoured to be taking on this role at a club that means a great deal to me," said Higgins. " This is a club with ambition, with passionate supporters, and a proud history. I'm excited to get started, to meet the players and staff, and to build something that brings success on the pitch and pride off it. "The immediate focus is the play-offs — and we'll give everything to finish the season strongly. "I'm also delighted to be bringing Conor Loughrey in alongside me. He's someone I trust and value highly — he'll add real energy and detail to the coaching team.' It has been a week of change at The Showgrounds with the departures of Shiels and Michael O'Connor quickly followed by that of sporting director Oran Kearney. Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross is delighted to land Higgins as the club looks forward to a new chapter. 'We're excited to welcome Ruaidhrí to Coleraine at a key moment for the club," he said. "This is an important appointment made with both the short term and long term in mind. Ruaidhrí has my full confidence, and we believe he's the right person to lead us into this next chapter.' Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
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 was appointed in May 2024 and guided the Bannsiders to fifth in the Irish Premiership as the club transitioned into full-time 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 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 O'Connor, Shiels' assistant coach, has also left the Showgrounds.
