Chelsea legend quits as boss of side on brink of Champions League qualification

Damien Duff led Shelbourne to the League of Ireland title last year but the former Chelsea star has made the decision to resign shortly before their Champions League qualifiers next month

Former Chelsea star Damien Duff has sensationally quit as boss of Shelbourne, denying himself the chance to manage in the Champions League. Duff, 46, guided Shels to the League of Ireland title last year, as they lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 years.

But after 22 games this season, Shelbourne find themselves 15 points adrift of current leaders Shamrock Rovers. Despite their struggles, Duff had been due to lead them into the Champions League qualifiers next month.

Shelbourne were recently drawn to face Northern Irish champions Linfield in the first round of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, with the two legs to be played on July 9 and 16. But Friday’s 1-0 loss at home to Derry City – their sixth defeat of the season, after which he compared his side to a ‘pub team’ – has spelled the end for the ex-Fulham winger.

“Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager,” a statement published on Sunday afternoon read. “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.”

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Having taken over in November 2021, Duff enjoyed ‘four extraordinary years’ at Tolka Park. During his first campaign, Shelbourne reached the FAI Cup final before finishing fourth the next year.

In 2024, Duff’s side clinched the league title on a dramatic final day. The 46-year-old’s success with Shels prompted speculation that he could become Republic of Ireland manager during their long search for a permanent boss while he also said in January that he’d rebuffed interest from a ‘big club’ in England.

But Duff has chosen to resign, having given a scathing review of his team’s performance against Derry. “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,” the 100-time Ireland international fumed.

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“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.”

Former West Ham defender Joey O’Brien has been installed as interim manager for Monday’s trip to Waterford. Shelbourne co-owner Neil Doyle commented on Duff’s departure, saying: “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.”

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