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 League Cup in his first season in charge, but he was sacked in June 2013 after he had been frequently punished by the Scottish Football Association for making controversial comments. Shiels was appointed manager of Scottish Championship club Greenock Morton in December 2013, and resigned in May 2014. He became Derry City manager in 2015. Shiels spent his entire playing career in Northern Irish football, both in the Irish Football League and at lower levels. Beginning at minor club Bridgend United, he subsequently appeared for Tobermore United, Coleraine, Distillery, Tobermore United again, Larne, Ballymena United, Tobermore United for a third