‘A great signal’ – Damien Duff breaks silence on new Shelbourne ownership

Damian Duff believes these are ‘exciting’ times at Shelbourne following the change of ownership at the Drumcondra club.

Acun Ilicali – who owns Hull City – has taken a majority shareholding in Shelbourne, the League of Ireland club confirmed.

Shelbourne head coach Duff was asked about the change in hierarchy after his side played out a 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers in the Premier Division on Friday night.

‘I absolutely believe that Shelbourne and Tolka Park has been a really exciting place to be for the past 18 months, Duff said after his side were in LOI duty.

‘This takeover just makes it more exciting.

‘I met him (Ilicali) a while back and Tan as well. They’re great guys with high ambitions for the club.

‘I glanced over the media stuff on Friday, but with Sligo here, I had no real interest in it.

‘I know Europe will be mentioned but I’ve been talking about Europe. Nobody can put more pressure on me than I do myself already. For me, it’s the biggest job in the world and nothing has changed.

‘They have been amazing, they have been great guys to speak to.

Duff added that he went to his new owners to discuss the prospect of tying down a key player, a deal that they sorted quickly.

‘Already, I went to them, an existing player here, a big player for us, need to get him tied down and it’s done. It will be announced on Monday.

‘It’s a great signing, a great signal for times ahead.’