When Damien Duff took charge of Shelbourne in November 2021, many people questioned whether the former Chelsea star would deliver success to the club.
However, he has led Shelbourne to their first League of Ireland title since 2006, two decades after he was part of the Chelsea squad that ended the club’s 50-year wait for a league trophy in 2005.
The Drumcondra-based club endured a long period of instability and was thoroughly steeped in mediocrity before Duff was hired.
Their Tolka Park stadium was a mess and the fans were disillusioned with the club. However, Duff’s positivity and drive translated to immediate impact.
Shelbourne have qualified for Europe, reached an FAI Cup final and won the league title under Duff. Even more impressive is the culture of excellence he has instilled.
Fans did not know what to expect from the former Republic of Ireland international. He had a brief stint with Shamrock Rovers’ under-15 side and was part of the Celtic coaching staff.
He managed Shelbourne’s under-17s while briefly assisting Stephen Kenny with the Irish national team. However, disagreements within the FAI hierarchy led to his departure.
Duff found new purpose and energy with Shelbourne. He was not just looking to thrive – he wanted to make his mark.
You don’t have to look too far to see where that confidence comes from. After spending trophy-laden seasons with Jose Mourinho, some of that confidence and braggadocio rubbed off.
Duff’s tactics and managerial style borrow heavily from the Portuguese manager. Shelbourne became known for their disciplined, physical and high-intensity approach.
He started by making the defence compact, and they won the title with the best defensive record. They are a resolute unit that does not give much away.
Shelbourne knew how to grind out results, especially after losing winger Will Jarvis to injury in the middle of the season and influential centre-back Gavin Malloy to Aberdeen.
They lost steam towards the end of the season, but showed Mourinho-like resolve to sneak a goal and shut up shop. Their clash with Shamrock Rovers in May was the perfect example of this elite mentality.
The reigning champions dominated possession and out-shot Duff’s side. However, they took the lead through a Jarvis penalty. Roberto Lopes was sent off for Shamrock, and Jarvis converted another spot-kick to see Shelbourne over the line.
Shamrock were the bookmakers’ favourites and had the added advantage of playing at home. Many Rovers fans wagered significant sums on new betting sites in Ireland on them winning the game.
However, Shelbourne defied the odds, showing championship resolve to hold on and claim three crucial points on enemy soil. Punters who backed them were in clover.
The victory turned sceptics into believers and instilled a sense of invincibility as they crawled to the title, even as the run-in tested their mettle with injuries, departures and a dip in form.
Duff knew how to keep his team motivated, bringing in rugby coach Ian McGeechan to deliver a stirring team talk.
He also asked former Shelbourne centre-back Colin Hawkins, who is going through a battle with cancer, to share an emotional message.
Mourinho sent a video to the team before the decisive game against Derry City. Shelbourne triumphed 1-0 at the Brandywell Stadium to clinch the title by two points.
Duff not only breathed life back into the football on the pitch – his influence reached the stands. Tolka Park had previously lacked atmosphere.
They now routinely sell out games, with local pubs and restaurants thriving on matchdays. The club is connected to their fans and community more than ever before.
Duff has established an authenticity and larger-than-life personality that makes him a figurehead for the League of Ireland.
His candid press conferences, self-deprecating humour and occasional fiery outbursts have made him box office on the Emerald Isle. While some rivals might turn their noses up at his confrontational style, there is no denying he is raising the league’s profile.
Duff still has more to do. Their failure to qualify for the Europa Conference League group stage will leave a bitter taste. It would have bolstered their finances and given them more visibility, but they have a manager whose best years are ahead of him.
Duff’s rise has been remarkable. Shelbourne needed a saviour, and he had to discover himself as a manager in a competitive league. This match made in heaven has yielded tremendous results.
