Dennis Shiels


Dennis Patrick Shiels is a former Northern Ireland B international footballer who played as a centre forward or outside right. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland he began his career with Distillery before moving to England where he had spells with Sheffield United, Peterborough United, Notts County and Retford before returning to Ireland to finish his career with Sligo Rovers.

Career

Club career

Shiels began his career as a schoolboy with Distillery, with whom he won the Ulster Cup in 1958 and was selected to represent Northern Ireland at schoolboy international level. He moved to Sheffield United in October 1958, along with fellow Distillery player Harry Orr for a combined fee of £9,000.
Shiels spent six seasons with United but failed to ever really make the transition to the first team, spending most of his time playing in the reserves. The most successful period of his time at Bramall Lane came during the 1959–60 season when he made 18 first team appearances and won his two Northern Ireland B caps.
Both Shiels and Orr left the Blades to sign for Peterborough United in July 1964 for a combined fee of £5,000. After just one season Shiels was on the move again, this time to Notts County before moving on to non–league Retford in July 1966 and then back to Ireland to play for Sligo Rovers in February 1967.

International career

Shiels was selected to play for the Northern Ireland B team in 1959 and duly made his debut in a 1–1 draw against France B on 11 November of that year. He made one more appearance for Northern Ireland B, appearing once more against France in a 5–0 defeat on 16 March 1960.

Personal life

Shiels was the son of former Distillery player Paddy Shiels. He trained to be an accountant and his transfer to Sheffield United was made on the understanding that he would be able to continue his studies. During his full-time football career in England, he continued his education which began at St Malachy's College, Belfast 1952–57, gaining additional qualifications leading to B.ED.Phys. Ed., Sheffield Univ. and MSc Sports Psychology, Manchester.Met.Univ. As an UEFA A Coach he worked for The FA Coach Education Programme and setting up and developing College Football Academies in Manchester and Northamptonshire.

Honours

;Distillery
;Sheffield United