Damien Duff joins Keith Andrews' Brentford backroom team

The former Shamrock Rovers manager has been appointed the Bees' first team assistant coach.

Former Republic of Ireland international and Shelbourne manager Damien Duff before the international friendly match against Qatar. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Damien Duff is back in football, enlisted by his compatriot Keith Andrews to join Brentford as first-team assistant coach.

Duff quit as Shelbourne manager just under 12 months ago in a shock decision less than a fortnight out from their return to the Champions League. He had led the Reds to their first Premier Division title for 18 years but felt he needed a break after four years at the helm.

He undertook a part-time role as one of FIFA’s technical observers at the U17 World Cup in Qatar last November and had begun appearing again as a pundit for Irish broadcasters.

Andrews had previously worked with Duff during their brief spell together assisting Stephen Kenny as Ireland manager in 2020. Duff recently visited the Bees’ training ground, speaking highly of the diligence in their work of Andrews and his backroom team. Andrews led the side to ninth in the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

Duff, who is currently on holiday, will begin work with the Bees later this month ahead of the new season.

“I’ve known Damien for a long time,” said head coach Keith 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.”