Former Chelsea winger Damien Duff has reportedly made a shock exit from his role as Shelbourne boss – just a matter of weeks before they face Linfield in Champions League qualifying.
Duff, who also represented Fulham, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers during a glittering playing career which included earning 100 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, led Shels to their first League of Ireland Premier Division title in 18 years last season.
The Dublin-based outfit were drawn against Irish League champions Linfield in a blockbuster Champions League first qualifying round clash with the first leg taking place at Tolka Park on July 9 before the reverse fixture at Windsor Park seven days later.
There is now set to be a managerial change in the Shelbourne dugout ahead of that meeting with the Irish Examiner first reporting Duff’s departure on Sunday while RTE have since said he “confirmed to RTE Sport that he had resigned from the club this morning”.
Damien Duff has reportedly left his role as Shelbourne boss. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)placeholder image
Damien Duff has reportedly left his role as Shelbourne boss. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
It’s a mammoth blow to the club ahead of such a crucial fixture – the winner is set to be guaranteed at least a Conference League play-off spot with qualification to Europe’s third-tier competition worth around £3.5million.
Shelbourne currently sit sixth in the Premier Division after losing 1-0 to Derry City, who are managed by former Larne boss Tiernan Lynch, on Friday evening and are 15 points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Speaking to Off The Ball about the Linfield fixture, Duff said: "It's amazing.
"Everyone always thinks of glamour, sunshine, getting their passport and going away. It's a brilliant tie, it's a very difficult tie and it will definitely have a derby feel to it.
"Our lads, individually and as a team, need to find themselves, need to find form and need to find consistent form because at the moment it's absolutely not there."
He was critical of how his side prepared for Friday’s defeat to Derry City, saying: "A bad night, a sobering night.
"Didn't deserve anything from it. Huffed, puffed.
"I prepared for the game today like I was a professional footballer. My wife probably cursed me at times. Three-hour siesta, ate really well, focused my mind.
"I would like to really, really know how many of my players prepared like me or as well as me, which is damning.
"There was a severe lack of energy, real flatness, severe lack of quality and you are going to get nowhere."