Damien Duff In Talks To Become Under 20’s Coach

Was a genuine top class player. Remember when Abramovich decided to launder thru Chelsea I think he was the first exciting big money signing they made.

Can’t be a bad idea to have him working with their the kids, who have underachieved the last few years, considering we have one of the best academies in Europe.

 

Can he make Scott Sinclair more useful?

 

Couldn't make him any worse

 

Former Ireland star Damien Duff is on his way to Celtic next month to take up his first full-time coaching post.

The 39-year-old was a guest of his new employers at Parkhead for Thursday’s Europa League tie against Salzburg after being offered the role as coach with the club’s reserves.

After beating four rival candidates, Duff is to take up his new position after Christmas assisting head of performance Tommy McIntyre.

They were known as the U20 team until last summer when the SPL reclassified the division due to the growing need to include overage players.


The former Ireland winger was clearly excited about the prospect of joining the club when speaking about it three weeks ago.

“For me and most Irishmen, Celtic is one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Duff, one of six Ireland players to reach 100 caps. “I would swim over to work there.”

Duff and first-team boss Brendan Rodgers knew each other from their time together at Chelsea.

The 39-year-old finished his glittering playing career three years ago this week, subsequently moving into punditry and coaching with Shamrock Rovers underage set-up

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/soccer/--892239.html

 

Very good Appointment and exactly the young coach that we should have involved.

 

Brilliant.

Look forward to finally seeing him in Celtic colours. Even if it's only training gear

 

Intrigued and impressed. It's a big name in a good coaching position. Will be interesting to see how he does and if he steps up to first team coach/a team manager (dev team etc) at some point.

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Are people saying this is a good appointment because they liked him as a player? He’s achieved absolutely * all as a coach.

If we’re serious about youth development we’d go out and actually get a top young coach with a track record at producing top youths.

 

Can't disagree with any of that, if it's a done deal all we can do is wish him well in the hope it will prove successful, you have wonder though why the club would gamble with such an important role.

 

Can he still do a turn on the left wing?

 

Everything you say makes sense.

Still he was a good player.

 

As part of an illustrious and celebrated playing career at both club and International level, Damien Duff played with Shamrock Rovers in 2015. This was Damien’s first time to experience League of Ireland football. On retirement from playing Damien retained his connection with the Hoops and began his coaching career with our first ever Under 15 National League side in 2017.

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.

Today Damien leaves us to take up his new challenge at Celtic. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Damien for all he has given us in his time at the club. 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.

Damien, thank you, everyone involved at Shamrock Rovers F.C. wishes you well.