When you think of managers who made an immediate impact on the Premier League from the moment they arrived, Jose Mourinho immediately springs to mind. The brash Special One came from Porto, where he won the Champions League, and guided a team including the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole to consecutive top-flight honours.
Another member of that team who perhaps doesn't get the same recognition is Damien Duff. The Irish winger arrived at Stamford Bridge 12 months before his future boss and made 30 Premier League appearances en route to his first title, and 28 en route to his second, before being shipped off to Newcastle.
His career would go on to take many detours after that, but he has since followed in Mourinho's footsteps by going into management. And in true Mourinho fashion, he has made headlines with his recent shocking decision.
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Damien Duff's Journey Into Management
The Irishman has transitioned onto the sidelines
After leaving Chelsea for Newcastle in 2006, Duff spent three years at St James' Park before returning to London—this time to sign for Fulham, the final club of his Premier League career. After five years at Craven Cottage, Duff moved abroad for the first time in his career, joining Australian outfit Melbourne City.
His stint in Oceania would last just one season though, as he then returned to his native Ireland to sign for giants Shamrock Rovers. Within six months, however, the wide midfielder hung up his boots, finishing with 629 club appearances, 84 goals, and 77 assists, to go along with his 101 caps for Ireland and 21 goal contributions.
He would then transition into various coaching roles—first for the Shamrock Rovers youth team, and then moving to Celtic to become the B-team assistant manager. He had a short stint as assistant coach for both the Celtic senior team and the Republic of Ireland national team before moving to Shelbourne FC as a youth coach.
In 2021, however, he was named the club's new manager and embarked on an incredible journey. Prior to his arrival, Shelbourne had not claimed the League of Ireland Premier Division title since 2006. That would change under Duff in 2024, putting them on the cusp of Champions League football.
He even made headlines for serving a one-match suspension by sitting on the grass bank behind the small stands at Dalymount Park as his side took on Bohemians.
Yet, despite his heroics and an opportunity at Champions League football beckoning, Duff made a shocking decision that left the club stunned.
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Duff's Shock Resignation at Shelbourne FC
The coach is now linked to a Premier League return
Reports circulated on Sunday 22nd June that Duff had decided to step back from his role as manager, something that was later confirmed by the club on social media. It was even suggested that Duff told his players at training that he had taken them as far as he could and no sooner had he said that, he was in his car and out of the facilities.
The decision comes less than three weeks before the all-important Champions League qualifier against Northern Irish side Linfield, but new reports have suggested Duff may not be out of work for long.
In fact, the former Premier League star could be about to make his return to the English top flight by joining Keith Andrews’ backroom staff at Brentford. It is widely expected that Andrews will be appointed the new Bees boss after Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham, and he may be bringing in Duff’s expertise ahead of what will no doubt be a strange season at the Gtech Community Stadium.
All statistics courtesy of UEFA - accurate as of 23/05/2025.