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Sunday World
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Sunday World
Damien Duff quits as Shelbourne boss and sends shockwaves through League of Ireland
duff bombshell | The Ireland legend decided he could offer no more to the side who claimed the Premier Division title last season. Duff could not be convinced to rethink his decision to leave the club. Photo: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile The statement released by the reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions on Sunday confirmed the former Ireland and Chelsea star who led Shels to the title last season has decided he could offer no more to the team after a 1-0 defeat against Derry City on Friday night. 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager,' read the club statement. '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. '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. Duff could not be convinced to rethink his decision to leave the club. Photo: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile News in 90 Seconds - June 22nd 'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch. 'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years. 'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division title, our first since 2006. On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football. 'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was transformational. He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club. 'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United.' Duff's decision to step down was a shock, despite his scathing criticism of team following the defeat against Derry. 'I prepared for the game like I was a professional footballer,' said Duff on Friday night. '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. 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? Of course! It (training) was awful. It all comes from within, your energy, your motivation, how good a professional you are. 'I don't mind saying it again, because it is absolutely true. It's my energy that has driven the players for four years. 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. 'You're all probably saying 'here he goes again'. I'm trying to drag the team, trying to wake them up, but they never woke up. 'For three years, we've been an incredibly motivated team. If you had a bad night it was a given that you get a reaction. As I told the lads upstairs, I don't know (if there will be one in Waterford on Monday). You never know with us anymore, which is damning. It's damning on me because I'm the manager. 'To become champions again, you have to be hungrier than last year, you have to work harder than last year, and again if you ask that question to our guys, I'm not sure how many would say yes, I smelled these type of issues in pre season. 'I thought I would come back and the dressing room would drive itself, because there's big characters, there's champions in there. It didn't. It's not driven by the players. It's driven by me. And like I said to Darren (Cleary – press officer), you can grab every player down here now and ask the same question: 'Is it Duffer that drives everything?' 'It is, and it gets tiring, but most importantly, it gets frustrating. Yeah, I'm there to help and coach and pick the best teams. I don't think it's the manager that should drive a dressing room that still is.'
Extra.ie
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Damien Duff quits as Shelbourne manager just 24 hours before key league clash
Damien Duff has made a shock exit from his role as manager of League of Ireland champions Shelbourne, just a day before the club's Premier Division clash with Waterford. Duff's resignation also comes just two weeks ahead of Shelbourne's crucial Champions League qualifier against Linfield. It is understood that players were informed of his decision during a meeting on Sunday morning. The club, who currently sit sixth in the table and trail Shamrock Rovers by 15 points, confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday. Damien Duff has made a shock exit from his role as manager of League of Ireland champions Shelbourne, just a day before the club's Premier Division clash with Waterford. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile Duff, a former Republic of Ireland international, took over at Tolka Park in 2022 in what was his first senior management role. Under his leadership, Shelbourne ended Shamrock Rovers' dominance last season by claiming their first league title in 18 years. However, they have struggled to replicate that form this season, and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Derry City on Friday night. In a statement, Shelbourne paid tribute to Duff's contribution over his four-year tenure: '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. Duff, a former Republic of Ireland international, took over at Tolka Park in 2022 in what was his first senior management role. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher 'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch. 'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. 'The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years. 'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division. 'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was 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 also confirmed that assistant coach Joey O'Brien and the existing coaching staff will lead the team for Monday's trip to the RSC to face Waterford, and prepare for Friday's fixture away to Galway United.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Damien's impact was transformational' – Shelbourne release statement after shock resignation of boss Duff
DAMIEN DUFF has quit as Shelbourne manager after telling his players during training on Sunday morning. Duff, 46, informed players as they prepared for Monday night's league visit to Waterford that he was 2 Damien Duff resigned as manager of Shelbourne on Sunday afternoon 2 The Dublin LOI champions released a statement after news of the departure hit the headlines And while Rumours of the That there appeared to be a culture of omerta around the club as well as there was a code of silence, though RTE announced that Duff confirmed to them that he had resigned. And, at just after 4pm on Sunday, read more on football A statement read: 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager. '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. '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. 'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch. Most read in Football 'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. "Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. Damien Duff mercilessly trolled by rival fans over bizarre attempt to go incognito while serving ban "The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years. 'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division title, our first since 2006. "On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football. 'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was transformational. "He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club. 'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United. 'Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, speaking on behalf of the board, 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.'
Irish Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
CONFIRMATION: Shelbourne release statement on Damien Duff
Shelbourne have released a statement confirming Damien Duff's shock departure from the Premier Division champions. The League of Ireland side has informed stunned fans that Duff is no longer in charge - and that his assistant Joey O'Brien will take charge of Monday night's clash with Waterford. This comes three-and-a-half seasons into Duff's time in charge of the Reds. He informed his players on Sunday morning of his decision, which came in the wake of an interview with club media, where he blasted his players and claimed that 'pub teams' would have more motivation and energy than they showed during Friday's home defeat to Derry City. 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager. '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. '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. 'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch. 'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years. 'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division title, our first since 2006. On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football. 'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was transformational. He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club. 'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United. 'Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, speaking on behalf of the board, 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.'
Irish Independent
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Drogheda United hearts broken by fortuitous Derry City equaliser
DERRY CITY 1 ON the day it emerged that Kevin Doherty had pledged his future to Drogheda United by signing a new contract, his team were on course for just their second win in seven games until a huge slice of ill-fortune struck in the 90th minute. FAI Cup Final star Elicha Ahui was the thorn in Derry City's side again as his first-half strike put the Boynesiders ahead, but the insurance goal just wouldn't come and the visitors stole a point when a speculative shot from Dom Thomas took a big deflection off luckless debutant Scott Brady and nestled in the net past a helpless keeper Luke Dennison. From a position where Drogheda would have climbed back into second place in the table, they ended the night in fifth spot. Derry, the league's in-form team, had arrived at Sullivan & Lambe Park intent on ending a three-game losing streak against the Drogs - including that never-to-be-forgotten cup final - and they nearly hit the front in fortuitous fashion when a mis-hit Liam Boyce effort looped up onto the roof of the net in the sixth minute. The Boynesiders then had a let-off when their marking from a free kick went awry and former Drogs centre-half Hayden Cann was left completely alone in the box, only to steer a header straight at Dennison when he had time to take the ball down. Gradually, Drogheda gained more of a foothold in the game and after some head tennis in the Derry penalty area around the half-hour mark Warren Davis steered a 20-yard volley just wide of the target. The Candystripes wasted another great scoring opportunity on 35 minutes when Gavin Whyte and Michael Duffy created a two-on-one situation, but Whyte failed to release his colleague and Conor Kane somehow got back to dispossess the Northern Ireland international with a timely tackle. Perhaps it was slightly against the run of play, then, when the home side struck in the 41st minute. Owen Lambe forced Derry into conceding a corner kick and it was the wing-back's delivery from the right that was met with a near-post bullet header from Ahui for 1-0. There was a half-chance for Thomas Oluwa in the 44th minute after a Cann error, but the striker opted for a cross instead of a shot and the danger was averted. The third quarter belonged to Drogheda and they will feel this was the period when they should have put the game to bed. Their best chance arrived in the 62nd minute when Ahui chased a seemingly lost cause, came away with the ball from a 50/50 tackle on the right touchline and charged towards goal. The option was there for the Englishman to take a shot, but instead he squared to the supporting Oluwa who took a couple of touches before seeing his goal-bound shot deflected narrowly wide by Kevin Holt. Then, three minutes, later, Douglas James-Taylor released the on-rushing Kane whose brilliant cross from the left reached Oluwa, and his header was tipped over the bar by Brian Maher. With no sign of an equaliser coming, Derry boss Tiernan Lynch had made four changes by the 72nd minute in the hope of salvaging something from the game and his side passed up a great opportunity on 77 minutes when two of his substitutes combined. With Brennan off the field after receiving attention, Paul McMullan whipped a cross into the box and the ball eventually landed at the feet of Patrick Hoban whose mis-hit shot was gathered comfortably by Dennison. At the other end a Brennan effort ricocheted towards sub Brady and he nicely clipped the ball into the path of Oluwa who shot over from 10 yards, but in the last minute of normal time Thomas broke Drogheda's hearts with that fortunate equaliser. Drogheda: Luke Dennison 7; Elicha Ahui 8, Conor Keeley 8, James Bolger 7, Owen Lambe 8, Luke Heeney 7, Ryan Brennan 8, Conor Kane 8; Warren Davis 7 (Bridel Bosakani 88); Thomas Oluwa 7, Douglas James-Taylor 8 (Scott Brady 75, 7). Subs not used: Zishim Bawa, George Cooper, Kieran Cruise, Aaron Harper-Bailey, Dare Kareem, Andrew Quinn, Jack Brady. Derry: Brian Maher 7; Hayden Cann 8, Mark Connolly 8, Kevin Holt 8, Sam Todd 8; Adam O'Reilly 7, Robbie Benson 6, Ciaron Harkin 6 (Danny Mullen 46, 6), Michael Duffy 7 (Paul McMullan 68, 7); Gavin Whyte 6 (Dom Thomas 68, 7), Liam Boyce 7 (Pat Hoban 72, 6). Subs not used: Arlo Doherty, Shane Ferguson, Glenn McCourt, Cead McGrath, Sean Patton. ATTENDANCE: 2,301
