Byrne wants Duff achievements to be remembered

LUKE BYRNE feels it is important to reflect and recognise the scale of Damien Duff's achievements at Shelbourne.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

But Duff’s former captain - and current Shels technical director — knows that what happens next under new boss Joey O'Brien is even more important for the champions.

The Reds are still reeling from Duff's bombshell departure less than two weeks ago.

Byrne was one of the Shels chiefs ~ on hand at their AUL training base that Sunday morning - who tried to convince the Ireland legend to change his mind.

It was more than just a hopeful punt as Byrne was tight with Duff, who previously hailed the 31-year-old as the best captain he ever worked with as a manager or player.

And that’s quite the compliment considering Duff played alongside the likes of Roy Keane with Ireland and John Terry at Chelsea.

But there was no talking Duff around and now Byrne has laced up the boots and dusted off the tracksuit to give interim boss O'Brien a hand for the foreseeable.

The duo - along with the existing coaching staff - need to steady the ship going into tonight's home clash with Cork City and next Wednesday's big European date with Linfield

Recalling the day Duff delivered his explosive news, Byrne — speaking before O'Brien's appointment last night — said: “He told us that he was resigning and everything that happened after that was a private conversation.

We wanted Damien to keep leading the team forward but it was his decision and we have to respect that.

“He's done an incredible job at the club, achieved amazing things and we'll always be incredibly grateful to him. He's left a legacy there.