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.

Coleraine said both Shiels and O’Connor leave “with the upmost respect and gratitude” and will be “warmly welcomed back in the future”.

Henry Ross, executive chairman and majority shareholder at Coleraine, said Shiels had led the team with “great passion”.

“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,” he added.