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Damien Duff appointed as Shelbourne's new head coach

Damien Duff has been appointed as Shelbourne's new manager.  The former Republic of Ireland inte...



Damien Duff appointed as Shelb...
Soccer

Damien Duff appointed as Shelbourne's new head coach

Damien Duff has been appointed as Shelbourne's new manager. 

The former Republic of Ireland international succeeds Ian Morris at Tolka Park.

A two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, Duff had been working with Shelbourne's under-17 side.

This is his first foray into a senior management job.

He was previously part of the Republic of Ireland backroom team under Stephen Kenny and fulfilled similar backroom roles with Celtic and Shamrock Rovers.

He takes over the club as they return to the top tier next season, having won this year's First Division.

Speaking as the news was announced, Duff said: "I’m delighted to take up the First Team Manager’s position at Shelbourne.

"Having coached and managed our U17 National league team and been around the Club, I can see the plans and ambition in place here and am excited to begin a new chapter of Shelbourne’s 126 year history.

"I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and about Irish football in general and see this as a great opportunity to help build something that both the Club, its fans and myself can be proud of.

"With the Club now in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, and the foundations being put in place by the Board and its Directors, I can’t wait to start.”

The appointment is bound to give Shelbourne a major boost as they return to Premier Division football next season.

It's believed Duff wants to get players back training before Christmas, as he starts to build a team for next year's campaign, which is likely to start in February.

Shelbourne CEO David O'Connor welcomed confirmation of Duff's appointment.

"Damien is a coach of the highest calibre, who has a huge knowledge of the game and vast experience at the highest levels of this sport.

"We have seen first-hand how committed he has been in his role within our academy in recent years, and the affiliation with the club that he has built up during his role with our U17 National League team.

"We are incredibly excited at the prospect of Damien leading us into the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season next year.

"We are really pleased to have Damien on board and I know the ability has as a coach and the experience he has, being part of top-level football for so many years throughout his career, will be of huge benefit to our club.”

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Blackburn Chelsea Damien Duff League Of Ireland Newcastle Republic Of Ireland SSE Airtricity League