Rangers News

Former Ranger given first top-flight manager role

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Dean Shiels has been appointed as manager of NIFL Premiership club, Dungannon Swifts.

The former Northern Ireland international has been given the top job at the County Tyrone side, signing a two and a half year deal.

Shiels signed for Rangers back in July 2012 and played a significant role over the next four years as the club made its way back to the Scottish Premiership and back to relative health.

Whilst it was a turbulent time for the club with more than a few dark moments, Shiels played his part, collecting three lower league winners medals in his time at Ibrox.

In addition, he picked up a Scottish Challenge Cup winners medal and started the famous Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic in 2016, when Mark Warburton’s team were still in the Championship.

In total, Shiels made 125 appearances for the Gers, scoring 32 goals – a very decent return.

On the Dungannon job, he told BBC Sport NI:

“I’ve always been interested in getting into management and once I met with the club it just felt right.”

“I liked what the chairman had to say about his ambitions for the club and felt it was the right time for me to make the step into management. It seems to be the right move for me.”

“I want to get results first and foremost. I have strong beliefs about how the game should be played and I will stick to my principles.”

“Hopefully I can be successful doing things the way I feel is best.”

“I have worked under and with some exceptional people throughout my career and now it is time for me to put my own ideas into practice.”

Shiels will continue to assist his Dad Kenny, Northern Ireland senior women’s boss, until their EURO 2022 play-off next month.

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