DAMIEN DUFF has signed a new long-term deal with Shelbourne.
Duff said last month that he did not know how long he was under contract at the club, claiming he had signed the deal when drunk in Lisbon last year.
But Shels have now confirmed that Duff, as well as his former Ireland team-mate and assistant Joey O’Brien, have committed their future to the Tolka Park outfit until the end of the 2026 season.
First-team coach Dave McAllister, strength and conditioning coach Mauro Martins and goalkeeping coach Paul Skinner have also been rewarded for helping Shels to the top of the Premier Division table.
Shels technical director Luke Byrne said: “It’s absolutely amazing news for everybody connected with the club that Damien and his coaching staff have signed new long term deals with Shelbourne.
“Damien has given his life to this club, his players and our fans since the day he walked through the door and we see our futures together.
“It cannot be underestimated how big a part in the club’s recent growth Damien, Joey, Paul, David, and Mauro have played.
“We are all very determined to continue progressing as a team and we are aligned on how we believe we can do that.
“Damien and his staff have done an incredible job and we will continue supporting them in driving standards on and off the pitch.”
Asked about his contract status last month, Duff said: “I actually don’t know. Joe and me were having a chat last week. It was like, ‘How long are you here for Gaff?’ I said. ‘I don’t know.’
“I signed that contract when I was drunk in Lisbon 10 or 11 months ago. I don’t know what I signed. I don’t know what I’m on.
“That’s the God’s honest truth. I could be up at the end of the year. I could be on a rolling. I’m not trying to get out of it. I’m a simple coach.
“I just love being out on the pitch with wonderful guys. If it’s up next week, it’s a surprise. If it’s up at the end of the season, great to know. Outside of that, f*** knows what it says in my contract. And that’s the truth.”
Despite being touted for the Ireland job, Duff has insisted he has no interest in the role and – after a previous stint as a coach at Celtic – said he will not be leaving these shores again as he does not want to miss out on his kids growing up.
Duff took over Shels in November 2021 after Ian Morris was sacked despite leading the club to promotion.
In his first season in charge, Shels reached the FAI Cup final – in which they were defeated by Derry City – and finished seventh in the top flight.
Last year they finished fourth, securing European qualification for the club for the first time in 18 years as a result.
And, this season, they are setting the pace in the title race. Although Aberdeen were able to take advantage of a get-out clause in his contract to sign key player Gavin Molloy, Shels have since signed Sam Bone and Ali Coote.
Duff said: “The players, the staff and the club are always in my heart and in my head. Time to rise again.”
And O’Brien added: “Re-signing with Shelbourne FC is a proud moment for me. It’s been my first experience of coaching and I’ve loved the challenge.
“The manager has been brilliant, the job he has done over the last two-and-a-half years is incredible, the growth in this team is clear for everyone to see and it has been a pleasure to watch it from the inside, what’s most exciting is what we can do next.
“The club’s ambition and the passion of our supporters make Tolka Park an incredible place to be. I am excited about what the future holds and committed to bringing success back to this club.”