Damien Duff has shocked Shelbourne FC by resigning as their head coach despite leading them to title glory as recently as 2024.
The former Blackburn Rovers star left the Irish side over the weekend after losing to Derry City on Friday night, their sixth defeat of the season. It leaves them sixth in the league table, 15 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers after a poor title defence.
In 2024, Duff guided Shelbourne to their first league title in 18 years. However, he sensationally quit on Sunday night, two weeks before they make their Champions League bow.
Duff, who has developed a reputation for his brutal, honest man-management style, could not be persuaded to stay by the Shelbourne board, who did not want him to depart.
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In a statement, the club said they were "deeply saddened" but "respect" Duff's decision, of which he informed the club and his players on Sunday morning.
Neil Doyle, co-owner of Shelbourne, said there were "no words to do justice" to Duff's accomplishments at the club and his impact on the league as a whole.
"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."
Duff's first managerial role has been incredibly successful, despite his sudden exit. Having taken over in 2021, he lead Shelbourne to the FAI Cup final, where they finished runners-up in 2022.
Last season, he helped Shelbourne to a first league title since 2006 last year after a dramatic final-day victory over Derry City. Though their domestic form has been disappointing this time around, a lucrative all-Irish fixture against Linfield next month was around the corner.
€1m was guaranteed from qualification for UEFA's Premier competition but emerging through the first round would secure at least three more rounds within Europe’s competition structure to multiply that pot.
Instead, former Bolton Wanderers defender, Joey O'Brien, will be in interim charge. He was Duff's assistant at the club.
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