STEPHEN BRADLEY said he has not tried to contact Damien Duff since his shock resignation – and if they do speak, it will remain private.
The Shamrock Rovers boss and ex-Shelbourne gaffer, who quit on Sunday, previously worked together and were on friendly terms until this season when there was a public falling out.
But Bradley insisted that any future thawing of their relationship will be done away from the media glare.
He said: “That’s between me and Damien. When we were in it, it’s about he will do everything to win for his team and I will do everything to win for my team.
“And that will never change. There was lots in it, but that’s not for me to talk about right now.
“I am sad to see him leave Shelbourne and the league as a whole.
“He’s obviously a very good manager and coach, he’s a good person and he is and was very, very good for the league.
“Sad to see him go and hopefully he comes back in the league at some point.
“Look, I’m sure he has his reasons for making the decision, you’ve got to respect that.”
Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds – who also fell out with Duff last year with the pair not shaking hands before any of their last four meetings – also felt he is a big loss for Shels.
Reynolds said: “I don’t know the ins and outs of it but I’m disappointed.
“He’s been fantastic for the league, to go win a title after only a few years as new manager.
“I don’t think people realise the pressure of managing. It’s 24/7. You go away from the ground losing a game and there’s no feeling like it.
“You try to describe to people how you’ve put in some much, it’s 24/7 all of the time and it has an effect.
“I’m just disappointed because I thought he was fantastic for the league and he’s a good manager.
“We have had our different views and not a great relationship. We don’t know each other but I’d still admire him from a distance.”
