Shamrock Rovers must 'take the madness out of it' against Bohemians
Riding high, 11 points clear at the summit, Shamrock Rovers must avoid the madness of a typical clash against neighbours Bohemians to remain in their stride.
Captain Pico Lopes has operated on both sides of the divide but the bruises of how the Gypsies engineered an Easter resurrection to win 3-2 at Tallaght still hurt.
Both Dublin rivals have embarked on runs to become the form sides in the country but Rovers can all but the prospects of being usurped by their rivals by prevailing at Dalymount Park.
'You have to take the madness out of it at times,' stressed the Cape Verde international about his team, who've collected 25 from a possible 27 points over the last nine games.
Read More
Damien Duff sensationally quits as Shelbourne manager
'It's going to be there because it'll be 100 miles an hour at times. So you need to be able to take a breath and put your foot on the ball and show your quality as well.
'Look, you can't control what happens. We were disappointed to lose the game back at Easter but that's behind us.
'I think we have gotten stronger as the league has gotten on. Performances and results have shown that.
'Yet we can't take our foot off the gas. I think if you start getting carried away yourself, that's where you get pegged back. We've been good but need to be better.'
From a Bohs' perspective, a third victory on the spin against the Hoops would narrow the gap to nine points with two games in hand. They lost momentum, but not belief, by losing at Waterford on Friday.
The Blues host a Shelbourne side caretaker managed by Joey O'Brien. Damien Duff's sidekick and other staff take charge after his sudden departure, initially for this trip and another to Galway United on Friday.
'We enjoyed Friday night but once it came around to Saturday morning, we were planning what we're set to encounter with Shelbourne at the RSC,' said Waterford boss John Coleman.
Elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic host a Derry City side astride from their 1-0 win at Shelbourne on Friday.
The Saints have endured a disappointing season to, equally Shels for being 15 points off the summit, but at least Stephen Kenny won't be complaining about the dimensions of his own pitch as he was after losing 3-1 away to Galway United on Friday.
Cork City's wretched form has sunk them to the foot of the table and they welcome a Drogheda United side that moved back up to outright second by beating Sligo Rovers.
'I think everybody is sick of how the results have been,' confessed Ger Nash, whose arrival last month as manager has yet to ignite an upturn in results for City.
'Everybody wants to change that. I know myself, staff and fans do. The only option is to change it because the other option is not one I want to consider.
'It's tough for everybody but we have to stand tall and stick our chests out. We've spoken about reset but we don't have time. We must dig deep. We must be better to win games.
"That's my job. I pick the team and tactics so the first person I look at is myself and we all must be better.
'There will be new players coming in after July 1 but we have an opportunity on Monday to respond in front of our own fans.'
MONDAY'S LOI FIXTURES (All 7.45pm)
PREMIER DIVISION
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park
Cork City v Drogheda United, Turner's Cross
Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Showgrounds
St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City, Richmond Park
Waterford v Shelbourne, RSC.
FIRST DIVISION
Bray Wanderers v UCD, Carlisle Grounds
Cobh Ramblers v Kerry, St Colman's Park
Finn Harps v Dundalk, Finn Park
Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers, Bishopsgate
Treaty United v Wexford, Markets Field.
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Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Shamrock Rovers must 'take the madness out of it' against Bohemians
Riding high, 11 points clear at the summit, Shamrock Rovers must avoid the madness of a typical clash against neighbours Bohemians to remain in their stride. Captain Pico Lopes has operated on both sides of the divide but the bruises of how the Gypsies engineered an Easter resurrection to win 3-2 at Tallaght still hurt. Both Dublin rivals have embarked on runs to become the form sides in the country but Rovers can all but the prospects of being usurped by their rivals by prevailing at Dalymount Park. 'You have to take the madness out of it at times,' stressed the Cape Verde international about his team, who've collected 25 from a possible 27 points over the last nine games. Read More Damien Duff sensationally quits as Shelbourne manager 'It's going to be there because it'll be 100 miles an hour at times. So you need to be able to take a breath and put your foot on the ball and show your quality as well. 'Look, you can't control what happens. We were disappointed to lose the game back at Easter but that's behind us. 'I think we have gotten stronger as the league has gotten on. Performances and results have shown that. 'Yet we can't take our foot off the gas. I think if you start getting carried away yourself, that's where you get pegged back. We've been good but need to be better.' From a Bohs' perspective, a third victory on the spin against the Hoops would narrow the gap to nine points with two games in hand. They lost momentum, but not belief, by losing at Waterford on Friday. The Blues host a Shelbourne side caretaker managed by Joey O'Brien. Damien Duff's sidekick and other staff take charge after his sudden departure, initially for this trip and another to Galway United on Friday. 'We enjoyed Friday night but once it came around to Saturday morning, we were planning what we're set to encounter with Shelbourne at the RSC,' said Waterford boss John Coleman. Elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic host a Derry City side astride from their 1-0 win at Shelbourne on Friday. The Saints have endured a disappointing season to, equally Shels for being 15 points off the summit, but at least Stephen Kenny won't be complaining about the dimensions of his own pitch as he was after losing 3-1 away to Galway United on Friday. Cork City's wretched form has sunk them to the foot of the table and they welcome a Drogheda United side that moved back up to outright second by beating Sligo Rovers. 'I think everybody is sick of how the results have been,' confessed Ger Nash, whose arrival last month as manager has yet to ignite an upturn in results for City. 'Everybody wants to change that. I know myself, staff and fans do. The only option is to change it because the other option is not one I want to consider. 'It's tough for everybody but we have to stand tall and stick our chests out. We've spoken about reset but we don't have time. We must dig deep. We must be better to win games. "That's my job. I pick the team and tactics so the first person I look at is myself and we all must be better. 'There will be new players coming in after July 1 but we have an opportunity on Monday to respond in front of our own fans.' MONDAY'S LOI FIXTURES (All 7.45pm) PREMIER DIVISION Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park Cork City v Drogheda United, Turner's Cross Sligo Rovers v Galway United, Showgrounds St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City, Richmond Park Waterford v Shelbourne, RSC. FIRST DIVISION Bray Wanderers v UCD, Carlisle Grounds Cobh Ramblers v Kerry, St Colman's Park Finn Harps v Dundalk, Finn Park Longford Town v Cobh Ramblers, Bishopsgate Treaty United v Wexford, Markets Field.
The 42
5 hours ago
- The 42
From chasing new signings to calling it quits - Damien Duff resigns at end of dramatic week
IN THE SECOND line of Shelbourne's statement confirming Damien Duff tendered his resignation as manager, the club stated that 'after much thought' the man who delivered their first League of Ireland Premier Division title since 2006 had decided now was the time to depart. Much of the toughest introspection must have come in the 24 hours since Friday's sobering 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City, because in the days leading up to a loss which left the reigning champions in sixth place and 15 points behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers, and in the hours after an impressive win by the same score line away to St Patrick's Athletic on Monday, Duff was busy trying to make two key additions to his squad. After all, on Tuesday it was confirmed that Shels would face Linfield in the first round of Champions League qualifying. Such an occasion was only made possible by the manner in which the 100-times capped Republic of Ireland international completely transformed Tolka Park since his appointment ahead of the 2022 campaign. His impact on the League of Ireland as a whole has been seismic, a legacy that will be pored over in the coming days as the ramifications of his departure become clearer. Damien Duff at his unveiling as Shelbourne manager in late 2021. Evan Treacy / INPHO Evan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO But right now this is a decision that impacts Duff and Shelbourne. That he won't be the one to lead the club in Europe's premier club competition adds another layer to a story that has ended like so many in football always do; in bitter disappointment. But it's a decision he has made, one that some at the club were completely blindsided by as rumours began to filter out early on Sunday afternoon. Others were far less surprised, yet were still left floundering, a feeling of devastation that the man who inspired a football club was leaving. The 42 understands that Duff was trying to entice midfielder Jack Henry Francis to Tolka Park in recent days after the Arsenal academy graduate previously impressed on loan with Sligo Rovers last season. Advertisement There was also strong interest in at least one defender currently based in the League of Ireland, with talks progressing positively and hopes of a deal being concluded by the time of the Linfield tie. Neither of those moves are now expected to come to fruition but, for the Shels hierarchy, they now have a much bigger void to fill. Assistant Joey O'Brien and the rest of the coaching staff will be in charge for tomorrow's trip to Waterford and Friday's visit to Galway United. There was disappointment in the FAI Cup final at the end of his first season. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO So, what changed for Duff over the last 48 hours, from chasing players to tendering a resignation? It was in the aftermath of that Derry defeat on Friday night that he rounded on his squad. 'I don't mind saying it again, because it is absolutely true. It's my energy that has driven the players for four years,' Duff said. 'I've offered them the dressing room for them to lead this show, this steam train. They've never really done it. 'Again, tonight, it's me shouting and screaming. Joe (O'Brien – assistant) shouting and screaming. We had a real energy because we were highly motivated men, prepared well and I didn't feel that spark, that energy off the players. 'I prepared for the game 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. Duff celebrates after securing European qualification in 2023. Ciaran Culligan / INPHO Ciaran Culligan / INPHO / INPHO 'I don't accept that that's our third game in a week. Never have, never will until the day I die. If you are an amazing pro you bounce into the night. Even if you are a bit tired, a bit flat, drag yourself along, give yourself a talking to. 'That's where you have to be an amazing pro, an elite pro, a pro that belongs in the Champions League which are strange words for me to say at the minute. Did I smell it on Thursday [in training]? Of course! It was awful. It all comes from within, your energy, your motivation, how good a professional you are.' Those public comments did not go down well in the Shelbourne dressing room, and by the time Duff arrived to inform those same players that he was walking away, there was still an element of anger from some about what he had said about them. Duff (left) after winning the league with assistant Joey O'Brien (right). Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO There was still plenty of loyalty, and understandably so given his impact on the dressing room, but the morale was low. Given the emotional connection Duff built up with the fans and many in the squad on the way to the title last season, it was a relatively low key end to it all. It was not a long, drawn out emotional goodbye. There was no lengthy speech or attempts from within the dressing room to force a change of mind. Indeed, there were no more fireworks or harsh words, just a simple, matter-of-fact goodbye from the now former Shels boss. Duff on the touchline against Shamrock Rovers this month. Dan Clohessy / INPHO Dan Clohessy / INPHO / INPHO It was a goodbye delivered after the players had already made their way onto the first-team pitch at the AUL Complex in north Dublin. Training then didn't take place. Neil Doyle, co-owner of the club and who was quoted in the press release that confirmed the manager's exit, is understood to have also been present afterwards, and it was hoped Duff could be convinced to perform a dramatic U-turn. '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. We look back with immense pride on his time here,' Doyle said in that statement. '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.' Duff referenced issues with professionalism as far back as pre-season, admitting at least one player returned with a ridiculous injury, and while he cited his concerns stretching back to that time again on Friday he tried to put things right. However, the same sense of togetherness and the atmosphere around the first-team squad that underpinned the title success was no longer the same. Related Reads Duffy magic has Candystripes avenging opening day defeat to Shels 'I'm not one bit mortified for myself, I'm mortified for the league': Damien Duff on that viral photo Some observe that Duff tried to transform the playing style too quickly before he was able to sufficiently develop the squad, and recruitment over the winter has also flattered to deceive. A dejected Duff during Friday's 1-0 defeat to Derry City. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO It wasn't just the players that were on the receiving end, a very public falling out with Stephen Bradley culminating earlier this month when Duff accused the Rovers boss of lacking class in victory. Duff did turn down one job in England in January, making it clear he had no desire to leave at the time, and he repeated his commitment again in April when his son Woody attended one of his press conferences ahead of a Dublin derby with Bohemians. Doyle was also there as well as new chief executive, former Dublin footballer Mossy Quinn. 'I don't look or picture myself anywhere else but Ireland,' Duff said. 'As long as I'm wanted here, I'm staying here.' Those words – and there have been plenty of headlines courtesy of Duff – will no doubt be used by some to mock or belittle what has been an emotional rollercoaster over three and a half years. Duff's dedication and commitment to the Shelbourne cause was intense, right until the spark went out.
Irish Times
7 hours ago
- Irish Times
A bolt from the blue for Shelbourne and League of Ireland as Duff leaves post
Damien Duff rarely fails to surprise, often providing as much entertainment with his musings on life and football, his touchline capers and feuds with rival managers as he did during his 100-cap Republic of Ireland career. But Sunday's news that he had decided to quit his job as Shelbourne manager was a bolt from the blue, even if he had been a picture of furious frustration after his side's 1-0 defeat by Derry City on Friday night. Duff confirmed to RTÉ that he had resigned on Sunday morning, ending his three-and-a-half year spell as the club's manager, Shelbourne later issuing a statement 'regretfully' announcing his departure. '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,' they said, describing his impact on the club as 'transformational'. 'He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club.' Shelbourne co-owner Neil Doyle also paid tribute to the 46-year-old, both for what he did for the club and the league as a whole. READ MORE It was Duff's first managerial role in football after stints as coach or assistant manager with the Irish under-15 and then senior squad, and with Shamrock Rovers and Celtic. The highlight, of course, came last November when he led Shels to their first league title since 2006 . But it was the nature of the defence of that title that rendered him exasperated, and clearly deciding that he'd had enough. The defeat to Derry left his side sixth in the table, a mountainous 15 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. He lashed out at his players after the game, questioning their motivation and professionalism. 'I prepared for the game like I was a professional footballer - I would really, really like to know how many of my players prepared as well as me.' 'It's my energy that has driven the players for four years,' he said. 'I've offered them the dressing room for them to lead this show. They've never really done it. I'm trying to drag them, trying to wake them up, but they never woke up.' Shels' head coach Damien Duff dejected after losing to Derry City. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho 'To become champions again, you have to be hungrier than last year, you have to work harder than last year - I'm not sure how many would say that they've done that.' And the thing about Duff is that you'd suspect he could forgive anything, other than a lack of hunger and professionalism. Once he felt he could no longer extract either of those qualities from his players, that was time for him to bid adieu. He'll leave a hell of a hole in the League of Ireland, though, not least because of his passion for it and the raised profile he helped give it. And he was never shy about standing up for it. 'This league was called the problem child for many, many years,' he said, 'but believe you me, the biggest problem child is the FAI.' It's unlikely, then, that he'll choose Abbotstown as his next place of work. So where next? It was only in April that he dismissed any notion of leaving Ireland to take up another managerial offer, Bolton said to have been the latest club to want him as their gaffer. 'I am here because they are here,' he said of his family and their life in Wicklow, 'and I want to be here. I don't picture myself anywhere else but Ireland.' Look away now, Shels fans: could he be up for taking over at another club in the league some time soon? We'll see. But one thing's for sure, you wouldn't want him staying out of the game for too long. Joey O'Brien, meanwhile, will take charge of Shelbourne for Monday night's league game away to Waterford, and could well still be in position for their Champions League qualifying games against Linfield on July 9th and 16th. 'What comes on Monday, who knows,' Duff said after the Derry game. Time, as it's proved, to think about his next step in football.
