Former Celtic coach Damien Duff has quit his managerial role at League of Ireland champions Shelbourne…
Having managed the Irish side since 2021, the ex-Celtic first team coach previously spent eighteen months in Glasgow before departing in June 2020. Despite securing the Irish title with Shelbourne last season, his team found themselves in sixth place after 22 matches in the 2025 season.
With a vital Champions League first-round qualifier against Linfield looming in two weeks, Duff has surprisingly chosen to step down from his position.
Shelbourne FC can confirm that Damien Duff has stepped down as first team manager.
Everyone at the club wishes Damien and his family the very best for the future.
He leaves with our deepest thanks.
🔗 https://t.co/IdyQoWa3MA pic.twitter.com/0L33F7qCg7
— Shelbourne FC 🏆 (@shelsfc) June 22, 2025
The players reportedly received the news during a meeting held on Sunday morning. Duff has since been linked with a backroom staff role at English Premier League side Brentford.
Shelbourne released a club statement on Sunday afternoon regarding his departure and it 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.”
A proper captains interview from Mark Coyle speaking about Damien Duff leaving Shels.
A model professional on and off the pitch.pic.twitter.com/zTHw2fVKps
— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) June 23, 2025
“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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Conor Spence
🗣 “Trying to second guess Damien Duff is really difficult.”
🗣 “Ultimately it’s just sad it’s finished this way.”
🗣 “What he said on Friday night probably crossed the line.”
Vinny Perth on Damien Duff’s decision to leave Shelbourne yesterday. pic.twitter.com/pi1YCm2LLQ
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 23, 2025
Love him or loathe him say whatever you like about Damien Duff.
But you can’t doubt his love for Irish Football.
He put in 100% of his mind, body and soul into his work with Shels, silenced doubters and brought new eyes to the LOI
A monumental loss to the League of Ireland. pic.twitter.com/lHG0SnoCt3
— IFB Media (@IFBMedia) June 22, 2025
Damien Duff’s shock Shelbourne departure dominates today’s back pages. pic.twitter.com/c35hLPsS2B
— Between the Stripes (@betweenstripes) June 23, 2025
Former Chelsea and Fulham winger Damien Duff has left his role as manager of League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shelbourne.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/EVLV9qxQ6f
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2025
READ THIS ON THE IRISH VOICE…Hail Hail, the Celts are everywhere!
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