Duff ready for summer shopping with new Shels investment

FINANCIAL INJECTION: Damien Duff has welcomed the latest financial injection into Shelbourne, admitting it will facilitate strengthening his league leaders during the upcoming window. Pic:©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Damien Duff has welcomed the latest financial injection into Shelbourne, admitting it will facilitate strengthening his league leaders during the upcoming window.

Brothers Neil and Cathal Doyle, current leaders of pan-European tech consultancy Bedford Consulting, confirmed their involvement on Wednesday on a five-year basis, understood to be worth a guaranteed initial stake of €1m.

Duff’s surprise packets top the table by four points at the midway stage of the campaign ahead of Friday’s visit to champions Shamrock Rovers.

This budget spike will boost their prospects of sustaining their charge towards a potential first title since 2006.

“We’re looking at the summer window,” said the Ireland legend about the transfer shopping market opening in five weeks on July 1.

“It’s a difficult window; I don’t think there are many players available. The one standout over the three years from the summer window that we got in from the League of Ireland was Matty Smith.

“If we get one or two Matty Smiths in the building, we’ll be flying.

“The main thing is there will be a budget for the window and the staff will be backed to get players in if we want, that’s great. I’m delighted to welcome Neil and Cathal to the club.” 

The two-time Premier League winner has implored his Reds to produce a durable performance at Tallaght.

“Rovers are the best team in the country for a reason, so you won’t have it your way for 100 minutes. We went there before and played well for 45, 60, 70 minutes. Not quite sure we’ve put in a 100-minute performance yet. I think it’s time we do that.” 

“The word energy was used again. In any sport in the world, any team, if you don’t deliver energy along with your performance, you won’t win any football matches. With the win against St Pat’s on Monday, it’s been about recovery, preparation, and being ready to bring your best on Friday.

“Everything for the last 24 hours, 36 hours, were parked to let the guys recover and bounce into tomorrow ready to deliver.”