Former Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff has joined Premier League Brentford as first-team assistant coach, linking up with his former international team-mate Keith Andrews.
“I’ve known Damien for a long time”, said Andrews. “I’ve seen him up close throughout his coaching journey. We’ve been on courses together and worked together as coaches with the Republic of Ireland national team. Damien will bring experience, presence and a real level of detail to our coaching department. He will add to the great group we already have and I’m very pleased that he is joining us.”
This marks Duff’s first coaching role since abruptly leaving Shelbourne a year ago. Duff and Andrews were both members of Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland coaching staff, before Duff quit the set-up at the start of 2021.
Duff was appointed Shelbourne manager later that year, eventually leading them to an improbable Premier Division title in 2024, their first in 18 years. He left in June 2025, later saying he was exhausted and “running on anger.”
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While out of work for a year, Duff would have been the leading contender to succeed Heimir Hallgrimsson as Ireland manager in the event the FAI did not renew the incumbent’s contract. The Association ultimately offered Hallgrimsson a new deal ahead of the World Cup play-off against Czechia in March.
Duff has rejected approaches to discuss managerial jobs at Championship level since leaving Shelbourne, and while he initially expressed a desire to remain working in Ireland, he told Premier Sports last month that he was now looking at job opportunities abroad. He revealed on the same programme that he had recently spent time at Brentford’s training ground, a trip that has culminated in his being appointed.
Andrews has been eager to recruit Duff since he left Shelbourne, and the appointment was sealed when Duff impressed Brentford director of football Phil Giles during a presentation detailing what he had to offer the club. He joins Brentford as an additional member of the coaching staff and will cut a conspicuous figure on Premier League touchlines.
Duff lamented the dwindling of his players’ energy and enthusiasm during his final weeks at Shelbourne, and while Brentford does not mark a return to management, the club should satisfy his demand for a vibrant working environment, describing his time at the training ground last season as refreshing.
“The minute I walked into the building, I just thought to myself, wow”, said Duff during his Premier Sports appearance. This does not preclude his returning to management elsewhere at some point in the future.
There is further Irish influence on the coaching staff at Brentford in set-piece coach Stephen Rice, who was also a member of Kenny’s staff with Ireland. The squad meanwhile includes Ireland captain Nathan Collins and goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.
