Kenny Shiels the League Cup Final, where they upset the odds by beating Celtic 1–0, with Dieter van Tornhout scoring the crucial goal in the 83rd minute. Killie's joy was tempered by the death of Liam Kelly's father, Jack, who suffered a fatal heart attack at the final whistle of the game. On the win, Shiels stated the team "are thinking more about Liam (Kelly) than our triumphalism". He then told BBC Scotland's Jonathan Sutherland, winning the cup is "unbelievable", in addition "a great emotion" for the Kilmarnock's supporters. Following his side's historic cup win, Shiels announced his intention to stay at
Kenny Shiels With Nigel Jemson added to the side Shiels' Braidmen proved a hit in the top flight, finishing sixth and qualifying for the Intertoto Cup. Shiels again signed some big names, bringing in Rory Hamill, Gary Smyth, Gordon Simms and Tim McCann but the club failed to make any headway. He was sacked as manager on 4 May 2005. Shiels took charge of Larne for the 2005–06 season and took the club to two cup semi-finals, but his full-time job with the IFA meant that he was unable to fully devote his time to the club and so he stood down