Former Chelsea ace Damien Duff is targeting a return to coaching after visiting Brentford.
Duff departed Irish side Shelbourne in June last year after guiding them to the League of Ireland title in 2024 and has been out of coaching since.
But, speaking on Premier Sports Ireland, the two-time Premier League champion said he was impressed with the Bees setup about his time at Brentford and is looking to get back into coaching.
Duff said: “It was amazing to see such a well-run club, so it’s not rocket science really to see how well they’re doing from top to bottom.
“Brilliant people, honest people, energy, enthusiasm, obviously real quality – it was so refreshing.”
The 100-cap Irishman said that he was not the kind of person that reaches out to a lot of people and was grateful to Bees boss Keith Andrews for showing him around the west London club’s set up.
The 47-year-old also admitted he must now leave Ireland to continue his career.
Duff said: “There’s not a big industry here [Ireland], as we know.
“I’ve cut my ties with many people, but there’s not a lot of jobs, football jobs, coaching jobs in the country.
“The longer the year has gone on, I belong on the grass and whether it be here, there, as in the UK or somewhere else, I don’t know.”
Duff and Andrews have been friends since their days representing the Republic of Ireland.
The two were known to play chess and drink coffee together while on international duty.
Andrews said: “Damien’s been a friend for 20-plus years – someone I value really highly, someone I like spending time with.”
The Brentford manager added having guests was a regular occurrence and that Duff’s visit is no different than other coaches who come to watch training sessions.
However, he played down suggestions of the pair working together at Brentford.
Andrews said: “I went on numerous study visits on my coaching journey and I think it’s nice when you can get that type of access.
“I think Damien’s path is very much his own. He’s a very unique individual that has undoubtedly got a lot of qualities.
“As a coach, I’ve worked with him at the national team for Ireland. He went on to become a head coach and won the league in Ireland. He’s a really good coach.
“Exactly where Damien goes next, I don’t know.”
Featured image: Dicken Richards
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