Duff comes out fighting with Shels holding a real advantage

It has been a barren few years for supporters of Shelbourne Football Club, with their last League of Ireland title coming way back in 2006 and they also spent a good few years in the second tier, but in more recent times under manager Damien Duff they have re-found their identity and are definitely playing themselves into some good form.

The Shels had a phenomenal start to the 2024 campaign, and as I type, after 19 matches of the season have been played, they sit top of the table with ten wins and seven draws, and hold a six point advantage over nearest challengers Derry City FC, and right now they are the clear favourites to lift the title if they can keep their form going.  And if you can't take all this tension and expectation, and if you like a flutter, you could visit gaming sites with the highest payouts which might distract you whilst waiting for the results and final league placements.

At the moment, it feels likely that they will do just that under their outspoken and demanding 45 year old gaffer, and for many in the wider world of football who keep a watchful eye on the Premier Division, last Friday's 2-0 victory for them away to Shamrock Rovers, was certainly quite a statement win. Especially as it marked three straight wins in seven days, including two Dublin derby successes.

That has not stopped the criticism of the side and their style of play, which many would argue is too defensive. In true style, Duff categorically rejects that suggestion barbing back that Shelbourne are the 'only team in world football' that would receive criticism and negative comments purely for being well organised, having a defensive plan that works, and because they like to celebrate goals.

He also strongly hinted that some in the game should pay them a bit more respect for their achievements, particularly as he pointed out that they currently operate with half of the budget that their title rivals (Derry City and Shamrock Rovers) are currently taking advantage of. That could all change, of course, in the more near future if their Dublin based investment opportunity comes to fruition, as if it does they will undoubtedly look to significantly strengthen the first team squad over the summer.

And it could be a very interesting summer for regulars at Tolka Park if that investment comes off, as given their campaign so far it is also leading to questions about Duff's longer term future at the club, and he was happy to address questions about his own contractual future, but he did not seem to take the questions too seriously.

He stated he had no idea what his current position actually was, and that he had not looked at a payslip since he first took charge. It seems he is not yet ready to give anything away.

He was far more interested in keeping the topic of the conversation to the disrespect he continues to feel that the club are shown from those on the outside, and in his mind, very undeservedly so and as he talks, it is now like he is taking this criticism personally as he feels making the side a tough team to play against should actually be commended by those in the supposed know.

The red card, for goalkeeping coach Paul Skinner, following the injury time winner over St Patrick's Athletic, also continues to seemingly rankle him, but as much as he calls out the criticism and rails against it, it is also very clear that he is using it as fuel to promote a siege mentality at the club to demand even more from the players so that they can continue to defy their critics...and privately he is clearly, and quite undoubtedly, relishing the fact that he can take that standpoint as it suits him down to the ground, he is energised by them being the underdog that is punching above their weight.

Right now, it is 100% working for them.