Damien Duff quits as Shelbourne boss after shock meeting

Wow!

As reported in the Irish Examiner, Damien Duff has quit as manager of Shelbourne.

The Ireland legend led his side to the league title last year, and is known as the most colourful, passionate, and outspoken boss in the league.

The shock revelation comes after their 1-0 loss at home to Derry on Friday.

After the defeat, Duff was livid and questioned the commitment of his players.

He said: “The biggest thing to take away was (a lack of) quality, quality, quality, absolutely zero energy, flatness.

"I don’t accept that that’s our third game in a week. Never have, never will until the day I die.

"If you are an amazing pro you bounce into the night. Even if you are a bit tired, a bit flat, drag yourself along, give yourself a talking to.

"Here, I don’t like being the one shouting and screaming on the sideline… "Duffer’s at it again!" That’s the energy that I have.

"I prepared for the game today like I was a professional footballer. My wife probably cursed me at times. Three-hour siesta, ate really well, focused my mind.

"I would like to really, really know how many of my players prepared like me or as well as me, which is damning.

"There was a severe lack of energy, real flatness, severe lack of quality and you are going to get nowhere.

"I've been around football a long, long time and you can have training amazing on a Thursday and be really poor on a Friday. You can have a poor training session on a Thursday and be brilliant on a Friday.

"So it was off the back of two days of not being on the pitch. Played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday back in Thursday.” 

Shels are due to play Waterford tomorrow, and have their first-round Champions League game against Linfield on July 9.

After a disappointing start to the League of Ireland season, the Dublin side sit sixth in the table, and 15 points off leaders Shamrock Rovers.

Duff informed the players of his decision at a meeting this morning.