Former Irish League striker Shea Campbell has been hailed as the “standout candidate” after returning to management with Oxford Sunnyside.

Campbell spent a large portion of his playing career in Northern Ireland’s top-flight, enjoying spells at the likes of Dungannon Swifts, Linfield and Ballymena United.

He moved into Irish League management with his beloved hometown club Armagh City in 2019 and masterminded their charge for Championship promotion, winning a play-off against Dergview in 2024 – ending the Eagles’ seven-year third-tier stay.

The 45-year-old left his role at Holm Park in November with Armagh thanking him for his “professionalism and integrity”.

placeholder image — Shea Campbell has been named new Oxford Sunnyside manager. (Photo by Oxford Sunnyside FC)

Campbell’s departure sparked a mass player exodus in the January transfer window with his successor – Dave Rogers – only named earlier this summer.

Former Glenavon forward Campbell has been confirmed as new manager of Sunnyside and will hope to take them on a similar journey as City by sealing promotion to the Championship.

The Lurgan-based club have restructured their football operations with Paddy McCrory moving into a Football Director position after spending 12 years as manager and coach, while former Glentoran midfielder Peter McCann departed last week after seven years at Knockramer Park.

Campbell’s first match in charge will be Saturday’s Bob Radcliffe Cup – a competition he won as City manager – trip to Banbridge Rangers before Sunnyside host Shamrock in the Irish Cup second round on September 12.

McCrory revealed Campbell emerged as the ideal Sunnyside candidate after “constructive and positive conversations” and has full faith he can help them build on previous success.

‘“We are delighted to welcome Shea to the club,” said McCrory on the club’s social media channels. “His career both as a player and manager speaks for itself.

"Shea is someone who is driven, hard working and comes with a track record of success.

"For me, Shea was the standout candidate for the managerial post, we had some really constructive and positive conversations prior to his appointment and he shares the same ambition and vision that we do.

“I’m confident that Shea is the right man to lead us forward and to build on our clubs successes in recent years.”