Damien Duff insists Shelbourne cannot afford to yo-yo between the leagues any longer.
And that is why survival is the priority this season as the Drumcondra side looks to stay in the top flight for the long haul.
Ireland legend did not make himself available to newspaper or online reporters at today’s league launch in Dublin.
But he outlined his targets for the season ahead in a brief TV interview with RTE.
Duff said: “It’s a massive, massive club and it has yo-yoed for too long, ten plus years. Of course (the aim) is to stabilise and to stay in the Premier Division.”
But Duff still wants Shels to go about their work with a bit of style after performing a radical overhaul of the First Division winning squad.
“I think the game should be played a certain way,” he said.
“I want to play a good brand of football, hopefully dominate games, which is probably unheard of for a First Division team coming up.
“That’s one, I guess, of many goals for myself, staff and players, they know what we’re aiming for.
“We’ve built a brand new squad overnight, 15 out, 15 in more or less. Might call it risky, but I thought it’s what the club needed.
“It’s gone really well but we only find out next Friday and beyond.”
And Duff admits his first senior management role has already been an eye-opening experience.
“No coaching badges or anything you learn with the FAI will ever teach or prepare you,” he said. “It’s 24/7 and literally non stop.
“I guess that side of it is the one that’s blown me away but I enjoy it so, no problem.”
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