After Damien Duff shocked the League of Ireland last month with his departure from Shelbourne, the club have officially announced his replacement.

Duff’s long-time assistant and former Premier League player, Joey O’Brien, has been appointed as the new head coach on a long-term deal.

O’Brien, who earned five caps for the Republic of Ireland and lined out in the English top flight with both Bolton and West Ham, joined Shelbourne’s coaching team in 2021. He served as assistant manager under Duff as Shels secured their first League of Ireland title in 18 years in 2024.

Now, the 38-year-old takes charge of a Shelbourne side currently sitting fifth in the League of Ireland, trailing leaders Shamrock Rovers by 16 points. Their next assignment is a league fixture away to bottom side Cork City this Friday night, before a crucial Champions League qualifying double-header against Linfield:

• Home Leg: Wednesday 9th July
• Away Leg: Wednesday 16th July

“This is an incredible honour. Of course, being honest, it was unexpected – not something I was thinking about,” said O’Brien. “The opportunity came up and I was asked to take it. I didn’t take long to say yes. I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.”

Shelbourne fans will be hoping that the continuity of leadership helps them stay competitive on both domestic and European fronts as the season progresses.

The post Joey O’Brien Appointed New Shelbourne Boss After Duff Exit appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

League of Ireland Premier Division

Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM

Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City (3-1) and Waterford (1-0). Another victory here would send out a strong statement of intent.

A sell-out crowd of 5,100 is expected at the famous Drumcondra venue, and the home side has received a major boost with a fully fit squad available for selection.

For Shamrock Rovers, this fixture provides a chance to make a statement after being edged out by Shels for the title on the final day of last season. Stephen Bradley’s side endured a disappointing opening-day defeat to Bohemians but had last weekend off due to a postponement, giving them extra time to prepare.

The 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 Derby in the 1920s, the 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮 Derby in the 1990s.

No matter the name, no matter the decade.

The 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆 Shels v Rovers is a big one. pic.twitter.com/8C5xR09QpS

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) February 26, 2025

Shelbourne Team News & Preview

Shels’ strong start has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an ability to take chances when they come. New signings Mipo Odubeko, Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, and Ryan O’Kane have settled in well, adding quality to Duff’s squad.

Duff knows that derby wins will be vital if Shelbourne are to retain their crown.

“Derbies were a topic we referenced in a team meeting this morning,” he said. “They’re not about bragging rights, they’re about putting points on the board. If you want to win the league, you have to win Dublin derbies.

“You also need a strong points return from Friday-to-Monday games. More often than not, if you manage that, you’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

With back-to-back games in quick succession, Duff has highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising his medical and coaching staff for keeping players fit.

Shamrock Rovers Team News & Preview

Rovers’ title defence crumbled in the early months of last season, and Bradley is determined to ensure they hit their levels consistently this time around.

“We just need to be better than what we were last season,” Bradley said. “We don’t look at any individual team, we never have or never will. It’s more about what we know—if we do what we do to our best, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of being successful.

“Last season we didn’t do that domestically. The second half of the season was good, but that’s not enough at this club. It’s not enough to do it for four or five months, and we know that wasn’t acceptable.”

Bradley is boosted by the return of Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, and Adam Matthews, though Darragh Nugent and Danny Mandroiu remain out.

Despite Shels’ improvements, the Rovers boss isn’t expecting any major tactical surprises from the hosts.

“They’ve added some good players, but they pretty much do similar things,” he noted. “They’re good at what they do, but it’s similar to what they’ve done last season and the one before.”

Key Battle: Shelbourne’s Defence vs Rovers’ Attack

Shels had the best record in Dublin derbies last season, and their defensive structure frustrated Rovers at times. Rovers, meanwhile, will look to Johnny Kenny, Graham Burke, and Aaron Greene to provide the firepower needed to break through.

Match Prediction

Shelbourne have momentum and home advantage, but Rovers’ extra preparation time could prove crucial. Expect a tight and physical contest under the Tolka Park lights.

Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

Team News

Shelbourne

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Darragh Nugent, Danny Mandroiu

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Match Details

Fixture: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin

Kick-off: 7.45 PM

Referee: Neil Doyle

The post Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

5. Paddy Mulligan (1969-1972)

Mulligan was a strong, dependable right-back throughout his long career. He is most known for his successful time with Shamrock Rovers and West Brom but also had a decent spell in London with Chelsea.

The 50-capped Irishman cost the Blues £17,500 and made a substitute appearance in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Real Madrid. The Dubliner spent three years in blue, scoring two goals in 71 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace.

Happy Birthday to former Blue Paddy Mulligan who is 74 today #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/e4oHNZSmCf

— Chris Mears (@ChrisMears1) March 17, 2019

4. Tony Cascarino (1992-1994)

Cascarino is a very memorable name in Irish football. He had his best moments in a football shirt while playing for Millwall and much later down the line for Marseille in France.

At the midway point of his career, he joined Chelsea. The Kent-born midfielder scored 8 goals in 45 games for the club. After all this, most Irish people will remember him for the important parts he played in the Boys in Green’s runs in 1988, 1990, and 1994.

Happy Birthday to Hall of Fame recipient Tony Cascarino pic.twitter.com/4hSCHd3VvI

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) September 1, 2019

3. John Dempsey (1969-1978)

Dempsey was a legendary center half for Chelsea throughout the nine years he spent in the clubs. He had many highs, such as winning the FA Cup in 1970 and scoring the opening goals in the previously mentioned UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final victory.

The Hampstead-born defender also stayed with the club during their turbulent spell in the 70s. He qualified for Ireland through his parents and would make 19 appearances, scoring once in six years.

He would also go on the be player-manager for Dundalk before retiring.

Great to have Chelsea legends Marvin Hinton, Ron Harris, Tommy Baldwin, John Dempsey and John Hollins in the house today – all members of our 1970 FA Cup winning squad! #CHEFOR pic.twitter.com/7pzjg1m8C3

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2020

2. Andy Townsend (1990-1993)

In 1990, Townsend joined Chelsea for the mouth-watering sum of £1,200,000 from Norwich. He was a truly quality player and this did not affect him as he won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.

Unfortunately, the Irish player never had great success with Chelsea and after 14 goals in 120 games, the midfielder moved to Aston Villa for over two million pounds.

His time in the green jersey is more storied after he scored seven goals in 70 appearances over eight years, playing in many of Ireland’s greatest matches.

Happy Birthday to former captain Andy Townsend pic.twitter.com/wLiRM8A4ez

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) July 23, 2021

1. Damien Duff (2003-2006)

Duff is one of Ireland’s most underrated footballers, a master on the wing, playing for some of England’s best teams and being a major part of Ireland’s success in 2002. In his three years at Chelsea, he played alongside Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Frank Lampard.

He scored 19 goals in 125 appearances while wearing blue in London winning a Premier League title and a League Cup trophy. This made him a must-have for Ireland as he made a century of caps and scored eight goals.

At the peak of his career, Damien was famous on popular betting websites in Ireland and still remains the people’s favourite as a current manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

Loved the Arjen Robben & Damien Duff partnership!!!! pic.twitter.com/Yu3NHq8SaF

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) July 15, 2021

The post Greatest Irish footballers to play for Chelsea appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This will be the first senior head coaching role for the ex-Fulham and Chelsea winger. Duff previously worked as an assistant for Scottish club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Shelbourne secured an instant return to the Irish top flight in this year’s First Division. This was after being relegated from the SSE Airtricity League in 2020.

They finished top of the table with 57 points after 27 matches. Galway United, UCD, Treaty United, and Bray Wanderers will now compete in the play-offs for the remaining promotion place.

Speaking on the appointment, Damien Duff said:

“I’m delighted to take up the manager’s position at Shelbourne.

“Having coached and managed our U17 National league team and been around the club, I can see the plans and ambition in place here and am excited to begin a new chapter of Shelbourne’s 126-year history.

“I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and about Irish football in general and see this as a great opportunity to help build something that both the club, its fans, and myself can be proud of.

“With the club now in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, and the foundations being put in place by the board and its directors, I can’t wait to start.”

Most recently he managed Shelbourne’s Under-17 side this year. This was after he spent nine months part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team with the Boys in Green.

All the best to Damien Duff on his first managerial role at Shelbourne FC.

The Irishman was very well liked in the Celtic dressing room before leaving and was a conduit between the players and the manager at the time Neil Lennon.

One of football’s good guys. pic.twitter.com/S8H55wZcF3

— Craig (@CraigCelt) November 3, 2021

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