Kenny Shiels in May 2007, as their head of youth. He left Tranmere in June 2010 to become assistant manager at Kilmarnock, following his three-year stint at the club. After Mixu Paatelainen left Kilmarnock to become manager of the Finland national football team, Shiels became caretaker manager. His first game in charge was a goalless draw with St Johnstone on 2 April 2011. On 15 June 2011, he became manager of Kilmarnock on a permanent basis and upon being manager, he soon added Jimmy Nicholl as his assistant manager, who just quit Cowdenbeath. He helped Kilmarnock achieve their first home win against
Kenny Shiels performance. A week after a memorable win over Celtic, Shiels would report referee Euan Norris of making inappropriate comments, following a 2-1 default against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which Norris would send-off Cammy Bell. His support even attracted FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce, suggesting that SFA should hire Shiels. His remark also led to Shiels given a five-match touchline ban after disciplinary hearing with the SFA. Following this, Shiels then appealed against his decision, but will serve his touchline ban. Another referee, Andrew Dallas, reaction on Shiels allegations as extremely "surprised and disappointed". Shiels would response Dallas' comment by accusing him of