Duff announcement came out of the blue for players

Damien Duff's shock decision to quit Shelbourne as manager seemingly came out of the blue for his players.
Irish football is reeling from Damien Duff's shock departure as Shelbourne manager, the decision coming just two weeks before the club's Champions League showdown with Linfield.
When the news broke yesterday that Duff was to part ways with the club he led to the Airtricity League Premier Division title last season, it sent shockwaves around Irish sport, with concern over the knock-on effects for the League of Ireland, which has enjoyed a significant upsurge in popularity and support since the former Ireland international took over Shels. Damien Duff before Bohemians vs Shelbourne. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Duff brought his eventful and dramatic three-and-a-half-year reign to an end when he informed Shelbourne players of his intention to leave at training in the AUL complex yesterday.
According to reports circulating on social media, the manager told the players as they were preparing to warm up for training, simply stating that he'd taken them as far as he could.
In a statement released yesterday evening, the club said that Duff informed them yesterday morning that 'after much thought, he has made the decision to resign'.
Shels said that while they were 'deeply saddened' by the decision, the club 'fully respects that he feels this is the right choice for him at this time' before explaining that Duff 'transformed Shelbourne on and off the pitch,' detailing the club's title triumph and back-to-back European qualifications.
However, after leading Shelbourne to their first League title in 18 years, their defence hasn't gone well this season and Friday's 1-0 defeat to Derry City left them sixth in the table, trailing Shamrock Rovers by 15 points. Derry City vs Shelbourne Shelbourne manager Damien Duff celebrates winning. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady
Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, said: '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.
'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.'
The club confirmed that former Ireland international Joey O'Brien, who was Duff's assistant, will take charge of the trip to RSC this evening and Friday's fixture at Galway United.

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