Brentford manager Keith Andrews has publicly praised the coaching impact of former Shamrock Rovers coach Damien Duff. The comments come as Duff's former club, Shamrock Rovers, continue their domestic campaign from a position of strength at the summit of the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Andrews, who leads the English top-flight side, described the 47-year-old Duff as integral to his setup. "Damien has got a lot of responsibilities. He is my number two," Andrews said. "He is a magnificent coach, he's brilliant support for me day-to-day." Duff arrived at Brentford as assistant manager in June, marking his first coaching role in the Premier League after a decorated playing career that included eight years in London with Chelsea, where he won two league titles, and spells at Fulham, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United.
Damien Duff's path to the Brentford dugout includes significant experience in Irish football. Before joining the Bees, he held coaching roles with the Republic of Ireland national team, Celtic, and Shamrock Rovers. He also served as manager of Shelbourne, further cementing his understanding of the domestic game. His transition into a key figure at a Premier League club shows a successful move from his playing days, which concluded over a decade ago, into a respected coaching career.
While Duff builds his reputation in England, his former club Shamrock Rovers are firmly focused on securing another domestic title. As of September 6, 2026, Stephen Bradley's side sits first in the Premier Division with 56 points from 29 games, claiming a record of 16 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses. They have scored 46 goals and conceded 27, giving them a healthy +19 goal difference. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one loss from their last five outings.
The Hoops hold a six-point lead over second-placed St Patrick's Athletic, a cushion that was maintained after a 0-0 draw with Shelbourne on September 4. Their next fixture is an important away match against St Pat's on September 11, a game that could significantly impact the title race. Fans can find details for this and all upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page.
The praise for Duff arrives in the wake of Shamrock Rovers' exit from the European Conference League. They missed the group phase for the first time since the format's introduction three years ago, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Finland's KuPS. The tie had been finely poised after a 1-1 first-leg draw at Tallaght Stadium. The decisive goal in the second leg was a cruel own goal from Graham Burke. A free-kick from Akseli Pukko was headed back from the far post, grazed off Aaron Greene, and then glanced off Burke's forehead into his own net.
Manager Stephen Bradley expressed his disappointment with the manner of the concession. "We are disappointed with the goal. There was no danger whatsoever. We give up a poor goal, to be fair," he said. Despite the own goal, Burke remains a key figure, having become the League of Ireland's all-time top scorer in European competitions with 16 goals after scoring against Floriana in July.
Shamrock Rovers' resilience was on display domestically just before their European exit, as they fought back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw with Derry City at the Brandywell. Their lead was extended after St Patrick's Athletic, their closest challengers, lost 2-0 at home to Waterford. Rovers also have a game in hand on their Dublin rivals, who face a tough FAI Cup quarter-final against Bohemians this Saturday.
The cup competition provides a distraction for their rivals. St Pat's, who last won the league in 2013 and the FAI Cup in 2014, 2021, and 2023, will host Bohemians at Inchicore. Bohs, in third place, are in their final season at Dalymount Park before a major renovation, and will use Richmond Park next year. Their last trophy was the 2009 league title, with their last FAI Cup win coming in 2008. Other quarter-finals see Drogheda host Galway, Waterford face Sligo, and Derry City take on Dundalk. Shamrock Rovers' next match is that key league clash away to St Patrick's Athletic on September 11.
