Damien Duff could break a few trends this week, some of which might surprise those who knew him from Chelsea. One of those is speaking to the media, but that isn’t because of any old reluctance. The Shelbourne manager stopped having regular pre-match press conferences, because he couldn’t stop himself saying exactly what he thought. One such comment was in July about the Football Association of Ireland’s base, when he said he “would raze Abbotstown to the ground”.
Refusing to speak is not an option this week. That’s because Duff has certainly lit a fire in the League of Ireland. The former Chelsea winger is one game away from the title, and the first major honour of his managerial career. His Shelbourne travel to Derry City on Friday, where they have to match whatever Shamrock Rovers do at home to Waterford. Since Rovers are the repeat champions and will probably win, at two points behind Shelbourne but with a superior goal difference, Duff’s side likely have to claim victory in one of the most difficult fixtures.
