Celtic gain coach with "brilliant football mind" as Shamrock Rovers confirm Duff departure

Damien Duff is switching the Hoops of Shamrock Rovers for that of Glasgow Celtic but he has been sent on his way with the best wishes from the Dublin club.

Rovers confirmed today that Duff will be taking up a coaching role with Celtic and in a statement noted that "Celtic are not just getting an Irish legend, they are getting a young coach of exceptional potential with an unbelievable work ethic and brilliant football mind. But most of all, they are getting a guy of great integrity." 

The former 100 time capped Irish international ended his professional playing career at Tallaght Stadium in 2015 – where he made ten first team appearances.

Duff worked as part of Stephen Bradley’s back room team ahead of the start of the inaugural under-15 National League season in 2017. In 2018 his under-15 team went unbeaten in the group stage – winning 13 out of 14 games -  but were beaten by St. Patrick’s Athletic in the semi-final of the league.

Rovers statement continued stating “Damien made an immediate impact at the Academy and has affected so many of our young players and coaches during his work within our Academy in his two seasons at SRFC Academy. 

“Many of the boys within the U15 group will progress through our player pathway and got their start under Damien and Academy Director Shane Robinson.  

“Damien’s daily presence at our Roadstone training base has helped us achieve our aim to raise standards right across the board. 

“His selflessness, commitment, professionalism and unwavering desire to help improve the young players that he has worked with during his time coaching here at Shamrock Rovers has been incredible.” 

Rovers announced their new management structure for their underage teams last week with Thomas Morgan the new under-15 manager (see more here).

A big thank you from all @ShamrockRovers to Damien Duff and best wishes in new coaching role @CelticFC#Hoopshttps://t.co/wxFw8iScKGpic.twitter.com/lOhjrUzTFC

— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) January 7, 2019