Ex-Chelsea winger Damien Duff has made the stunning decision to step down as manager of Shelbourne, forfeiting the opportunity to lead the team in the Champions League. Duff, 46, orchestrated a title-winning campaign with Shels last season, claiming the League of Ireland crown for the first time in nearly two decades.
Despite their title win, Shelbourne have found themselves trailing by 15 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers after 22 games this term. Duff was set to spearhead their Champions League qualifying journey next month, despite the team’s current form.
The club was poised to take on Northern Ireland’s top side Linfield in the first qualifying round for Europe’s premier club tournament, with fixtures scheduled for July 9 and July 16. However, following a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Derry City—their sixth loss of the season, which led Duff to liken his squad to a ‘pub team’—he decided to call it quits.
Shelbourne FC released an official statement on Sunday afternoon, announcing Duff’s resignation: “Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager,” the club disclosed. “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.”
The statement continued, expressing a melancholy but understanding sentiment: “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, was marked by notable achievements, including reaching the FAI Cup final and securing a fourth-place league finish during his inaugural full season in charge.
In 2024, Duff masterminded a last-gasp league triumph for his team, solidifying his reputation and igniting talks of a possible ascent to the Republic of Ireland managerial role. He also mentioned in January turning away an opportunity from a prominent English club.
Yet, Duff has decided to step down after delivering a scorching critique of Shelbourne’s lacklustre display against Derry. The former Irish international did not mince words: “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,” he declared with intensity.
Duff challenged his players ahead of the match, asking them to exhibit a Champions League level of intensity and determination. His biting remarks didn’t stop there: “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-Hammers centre-back, steps up as Shelbourne’s temporary boss for their forthcoming fixture at Waterford on Monday. Co-owner Neil Doyle paid tribute to Duff’s stellar contributions, noting: “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.”
