Damien Duff has resigned as Shelbourne manager just 18 days before the League of Ireland champions are due to play in the Champions League, with his former assistant Joey O'Brien taking interim charge
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Former Newcastle United star Damien Duff
Former Newcastle United star Damien Duff
(Image: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United midfielder Damien Duff has dramatically stepped down as manager of Shelbourne, foregoing the opportunity to take charge in the Champions League. At 46, Duff steered Shels to their first League of Ireland triumph in 18 years last season.
However, this term has seen Shelbourne lagging 15 points behind the frontrunners Shamrock Rovers after 22 matches. Despite their current form, Duff was set to lead them into the Champions League qualifiers in the coming month.
Shelbourne had been pitted against Northern Ireland's top team Linfield in the initial qualifying round for Europe's most prestigious club tournament, with fixtures scheduled for July 9 and July 16. Yet, a disheartening 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City on Friday – their sixth loss of the campaign, which led Duff to liken his squad to a 'pub team' – has culminated in the former Fulham winger's departure.
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"Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager," the club declared in a statement released Sunday afternoon. "Damien informed the club this morning that, after much thought, he has made the decision to resign. He shared the news with the players earlier today.
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"While all at Shelbourne FC are deeply saddened by Damien's decision, we fully respect that he feels this is the right choice for him at this time," reports the Mirror.
Duff's tenure, which began in November 2021, saw him enjoy 'four extraordinary years' at Tolka Park, including a run to the FAI Cup final in his inaugural season and a fourth-place finish the following year.
In a thrilling conclusion to the season in 2024, Duff's team secured the league championship on the last day of play. The 46-year-old's achievements with Shels led to rumours that he might take over as manager of the Republic of Ireland during their extended hunt for a new permanent head coach, and he also mentioned in January that he had turned down interest from a 'big club' in England.
However, Duff has decided to step down after delivering a blistering critique of his squad's display against Derry. "This (the League of Ireland) is your bread and butter. They (Shelbourne's players) are in Europe, in the Champions League, because of the league," the centurion for Ireland lambasted.
"I asked them before the game, I said it's 18 days until the Champions League, and I said if they'd have a Champions League mentality, motivation, energy here. I'd say pub teams have better motivation, energy, quality than us. Damning words, but I'm correct in saying them."
Joey O'Brien, the ex-West Ham defender, has been appointed as the caretaker manager for Monday's match at Waterford. Neil Doyle, co-owner of Shelbourne, spoke about Duff's resignation, remarking: "There are no words that do justice to Damien's accomplishments at Shelbourne FC and what he has done for both the club and the League of Ireland.
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"We look back with immense pride on his time here. As a club, we move forward with confidence, knowing that the foundations we have jointly built will underpin our continued success. Thank you, Damien, for everything."