Damien Duff and his high profile and box office interviews are proving a successful mix to ensure the growth of Irish football, says League of Ireland’s director.
The former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland international is building his reputation on the touchline after securing the league title last season with Shelbourne.
However, Duff’s outspoken nature and refusal to beat around the bush are also providing additional entertainment away from the field.
That has recently been encapsulated by a verbal row with Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Kelly over a refusal to shake hands following a 2-2 draw last month.
And Duff’s personality, alongside his managerial ability and stature in the game is a golden ticket for Irish football. FAI director Mark Scanlon told talkSPORT: “We’ve got a lot of talented young managers and that’s been a growing trend over the last few years.
“Damien’s profile and personality has really helped grow the league to an audience outside of Ireland because he’s so well known.
“He’s a really successful senior international and played in the World Cup. He’s had a huge career as a Premier League winner, so to get players like Damien back into the league now as managers for the next part of their career is really important for us.
“Traditionally, a lot of Irish players for us, when they move to the UK they’ve stayed in the UK and stayed in the system but Damien came back home and started coaching in the academies.
“He took over the first team job at Shelbourne three years ago and has done an incredible job to lead them to title success, probably surprisingly.
“He’s certainly been box office. His interviews are entertaining, and he’s done a brilliant job there. People like Damien, who have such a high profile in the game, we’re delighted to have them in the league.”
Duff, 46, earned 100 caps for Republic of Ireland and won three major trophies as a player, including the League Cup twice and the Premier League.
His Shelbourne side currently sit sixth, four points off Shamrock Rovers at the summit of the table.
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