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 stepping down as gaffer.
And while the club’s hierarchy did try to persuade him to stay, Duff was not for turning.
Rumours of the Ireland legend’s resignation began doing the rounds at lunchtime on Sunday.
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, the club also confirmed the news.
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.
“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.”
