The Damien Duff story at how he left Celtic to take on a job at the Republic of Ireland only to quit barely six months into the job, has been one that has interested many people. Duff was, by all accounts, well thought of inside the Celtic Park halls and was well respected as a first team coach by all the players.
Many have said the minute Duff quit to take the Ireland role, was the reason behind Celtic’s collapse this season. Me? I’m not as convinced that was the MAIN reason but it certainly didn’t help that he left.
At the time, Duff said of his departure to RTE: “I appreciate you have to ask but I don’t really have a lot to say on the matter, I know I made the right decision, not one day has passed where I have regretted it.” Very cagey and keeping his cards close to his chest.
Roy Keane for next Celtic gaffer?
YES
NO
Speaking on A Celtic State of Mind, Paul John Dykes revealed the reason that Duff quit the Ireland set up amid a row with the Irish FA, “Part of the reason certainly that Damien Duff left the Irish set up was due to the motivational video that was shown to the Ireland players and that was ahead of the England game. There was a friendly against England at Wembley and part of that was around the 1916 Easter Rising, and this was used as a motivational video for the Ireland players before the England game.
“And seriously, whoever was responsible for doing that was seriously criticised by the Irish FA and Damien Duff stood up to that because he felt there was absolutely no issue, in showing Irish players Irish history, and that was certainly one of the reasons why he left”.
Great insight by Dykes and sheds a lot of light on the situation the Irish legend found himself in. Could there be return to Celtic at some point in the future for Duff? Hopefully, but depending on the new management structure being put in place it looks unlikely. Unless Keane is installed as the new gaffer and makes the call………..
Think you know your history? Can you get all ten answers correct? Take the test, check your score and then challenge your friends and family to beat your total!