Shelbourne FC has confirmed Damien Duff‘s decision to resign as manager in the wake of Friday night’s home defeat to Derry in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Duff’s assistant, Joey O’Brien, will take charge of the first team for Monday’s visit to Waterford.
The Shelbourne players were informed of Duff’s departure at a meeting on Sunday morning.
In a statement, the club said it was “regretfully” announcing the departure of Duff as first-team manager.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
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“During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch.
“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.”
Following Monday’s game against Waterford, O’Brien will then prepare the players for Friday’s away fixture against Galway United.
Shels sit sixth in the Premier Division, 15 points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers, with only seven wins from 22 games this season.
Duff leaves the club having delivered last season’s League of Ireland Premier Division title – its first since 2006. His departure is a significant setback for the Tolka Park club, which is preparing to take on Linfield in the Champions League first preliminary round. Shels host the Belfast side on July 9th, with the return leg a week later.
Neil Doyle, Shelbourne’s 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. Thank you, Damien, for everything.”
Duff questioned the motivation of his players following Shelbourne’s 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City last Friday night.
[ A bolt from the blue for Shelbourne and League of Ireland as Duff leaves postOpens in new window ]
“There was a severe lack of energy, real flatness, severe lack of quality,” he said.
The former Ireland international said last Thursday’s training session was particularly disappointing.
“It’s my energy that has driven the players for four years . . . They’ve never really done it.
“You never know with us any more, which is damning. It’s damning on me because I’m the manager. So what comes on Monday? Who knows?”
