This will be the first senior head coaching role for the ex-Fulham and Chelsea winger. Duff previously worked as an assistant for Scottish club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Shelbourne secured an instant return to the Irish top flight in this year’s First Division. This was after being relegated from the SSE Airtricity League in 2020.

They finished top of the table with 57 points after 27 matches. Galway United, UCD, Treaty United, and Bray Wanderers will now compete in the play-offs for the remaining promotion place.

Speaking on the appointment, Damien Duff said:

“I’m delighted to take up the manager’s position at Shelbourne.

“Having coached and managed our U17 National league team and been around the club, I can see the plans and ambition in place here and am excited to begin a new chapter of Shelbourne’s 126-year history.

“I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and about Irish football in general and see this as a great opportunity to help build something that both the club, its fans, and myself can be proud of.

“With the club now in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, and the foundations being put in place by the board and its directors, I can’t wait to start.”

Most recently he managed Shelbourne’s Under-17 side this year. This was after he spent nine months part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team with the Boys in Green.

All the best to Damien Duff on his first managerial role at Shelbourne FC.

The Irishman was very well liked in the Celtic dressing room before leaving and was a conduit between the players and the manager at the time Neil Lennon.

One of football’s good guys. pic.twitter.com/S8H55wZcF3

— Craig (@CraigCelt) November 3, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Champions League and international club football news, click here.

The post Damien Duff named new Shelbourne head coach appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This will be the 14th year that the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division has featured in-game. People that purchase the game will also get exclusive Club Pack Covers featuring the individual club crests of all 10 Premier Division teams.

Powered by The League, each Premier Division team will have their very own exclusive FIFA 22 Club Pack, and the cover sleeves will once again be free to download for all League of Ireland fans when the game launches on Friday, October 1st.

CITY CONFIRM DUFFY PRE-CONTRACT DEAL

Derry City FC can confirm that Michael Duffy has agreed a pre-contract at the club which will see the attacker return home at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/MPpXlvX1lr

— Derry City FC (@MccaulCiaran) September 22, 2021

Many FIFA players are great fans of their most popular feature and there have been some upgrades and downgrades to the players in the Irish league.

The squad of best players is made up of four nations and five clubs with Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers having the majority of players.

Dundalk’s Michael Duffy is the new highest rated player in the game with a 68 rating. The best aspects of his card are his 81 pace and that he is one of three players in the league with four-star skill moves and weak foot – the other two are Rovers’ Danny Mandroiu and Sligo Rovers’ Kiwi forward Ryan de Vries.

The two fastest players in the league by FIFA 22 standards are English winger Junior Odegi-Uzokwe and Jamaican forward Romeo Parkes.

Kylian Mbappe is the fastest player in FIFA 22 pic.twitter.com/SB89YTQgVv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 21, 2021

FIFA 22 Airtricity League XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Talbot (65)

James Talbot just edges out Mannus with more individual stats. The Bohemians keeper stands at only 5’11” but his higher reflexes will make him strong with close shots.

Defence: Kavanagh (63), Cleary (64), Lopes (65), Gannon (65)

The mainly Shamrock Rovers defence is made up of two silver cards. Cape Verde’s Roberto Lopes and Ireland’s Sean Gannon will sure up a backline that is missing speed.

Midfield: McEleney (65), Zahibo (66), O’Neill (65)

Now we start to move on to the big guns. Wilfried Zahibo from the Central African Republic is a rare silver card with high physicality and an orange link to Athletico Madrid’s Kondogbia.

He is surrounded by Irish league mainstay’s Gary O’Neill and Patrick McEleney whose stats do not properly reflect the effect they have had on the league.

Front Three: Duffy (68), Hoban (65), Byrne (66)

The strike force has two of the Airticity league’s best shooters in Graham Burke and Patrick Hoban. They will join the 68 rated rare card in Michael Duffy who has had a lackluster season with Dundalk so far this season.

Bench: Mannus (65), Hoare (64), Bolger (64), Forrester (64), Mandroiu (64)

The post Best SSE Airtricity League XI in FIFA 22 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 2020 Irish Premier Division came to a conclusion last night. Each team played just 18 league games in a season plagued by Covid-19. The season itself was not it’s drama, though. Last night in particular featured several twists and turns as each club aimed to finish their season on a high note. Some clubs rejoiced while others suffered the consequences of defeat. Here’s how it played out.

Finn Harps vs. Waterford

In one of the most decisive fixtures on the day, Finn Harps took on Waterford. Prior to the game, Finn Harps found themselves in the relegation/promotion play-off spot. Waterford also found themselves with a lot on the line. A win for Waterford would have ensured a European spot for the club. Additionally, only a win would suffice – along with other results – if Harps were to move out of that position.

They did just that as they narrowly defeated Waterford by 1-0. A goal from Adam Foley in the 27^th minute proved to be the deciding goal. Harps were very nearly back where they started in the final minute of extra time, though. Waterford found themselves in the opposition box in the dying seconds with a clear sight of goal. They shot at goal, but Dave Webster was there to stop a certain goal as he cleared off the line.

In truth, Harps deserved to avoid a relegation battle, having won 3 of their last 4 games. After the Harps win, it was down to Derry City and Shelbourne to win or draw their games in order to ease their survival hopes.

Waterford can count themselves unlucky not to have made Europe after their season, but the better team won on the night.

THE GREAT ESCAPE!!! WE’VE DONE IT!

WE ARE STAYING UP #UTH pic.twitter.com/5UJFeQaaVp

— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Derry City vs. Cork City

As mentioned previously, Derry City had to at least draw their game to avoid slipping into the play-off spot. Cork City, on the other hand, had nothing to play for other than pride. The Rebels had been condemned to automatic relegation earlier in the season.

Despite the disparity of fortunes on the line for both clubs, Derry City very nearly succumbed to defeat. Cork took the lead through Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s goal in the 59^th minute to put pressure on the Northern club. A Finn Harps win and a Shelbourne draw would have meant relegation for Derry if the scoreline remained as it was.

James Akintunde was the hero in the end, though. His strike for Derry in the 76^th minute meant Derry almost certainly avoided the play-off. Derry had the best goal difference by far of the 3 clubs fighting for survival so even if Finn Harps won, Derry would likely retain their position in the Irish Premier Division.

The match finished 1-1 as Derry narrowly avoided a relegation battle.

Derry leave Turner’s Cross with a point to finish the league season and avoiding the play-off.

#RAWA28 pic.twitter.com/noEe8jQAHI

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers

Similar to the Derry vs. Cork fixture, both teams in this fixture were playing for entirely different outcomes. Shamrock Rovers had already been crowned champions, meaning they effectively had nothing to play for – other than their unbeaten run. Shelbourne, on the other hand, had it all to play for. If results in their own game and other fixtures didn’t go their way, they would be dragged into a relegation play-off.

Shamrock Rovers’ showed no sympathy for the relegation battling Shelbourne as they fielded a strong side. Their quality showed in the end as they ran out 2-0 winners. Their win last night meant they finished the league season unbeaten. This is just the 3^rd time this has happened in League of Ireland history, with Rovers also going unbeaten in the other 2.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦

Rovers become the first side in 93 years to go an entire season undefeated in the league

We are the only club in League of Ireland history to achieve this

1925 – @ShamrockRovers
1927 – @ShamrockRovers
2020 – @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/xclqYiJYP9

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

A wonderful Jack Byrne goal kicked it off in the 22^nd minute as he went on a marauding run up the pitch before smashing into the corner of the net. Jack Byrne has inarguably been the best player in the League of Ireland, despite what the naysayers may claim. His stock has only risen in the past few months and this may be the last time League of Ireland fans get to witness his ability in a Shamrock Rovers shirt in the foreseeable future amid reported overseas interest. The midfielder will also join up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Wales fixture.

Aaron Greene put the finishing touches on the game as his 57^th minute goal effectively sealed Shelbourne’s relegation play-off spot. Results in the Finn Harps and Derry City games meant Shelbourne were condemned to the play-off spot.

Shelbourne will now face Longford Town on Saturday as they look to stay in the Premier Division for at least another season. It should make for a fascinating contest.

CONFIRMED!@SSEAirtricityLg Promotion/Relegation Final@shelsfc v @LongfordTownFC#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/c3PjsyM3P6

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers

After a disappointing domestic season by their standards, Dundalk needed a win to ensure a European spot. Similarly, a Sligo Rovers win would mean a *potential* European spot for the Bit O’ Red.

In a surprise result, Sligo Rovers ran out 2-0 winners. A bizarre goal from Jesse Devers in the 10^th minute opened the scoring as his attempted cross went straight over Gary Roger’s head into the net. Sligo Rovers ensured their victory through a Ronan Coughlan goal in the 95^th minute.

After Waterford’s defeat, Sligo move up to 4^th place. Although currently in a European position (1^st-4^th place), that could change given the winners of the FAI Cup. In order for Sligo to qualify, they must either win the FAI Cup or a team from 1^st to 3^rd must win. Currently, all top 4 teams are still in the cup out of the 6 remaining teams, so it looks good for Sligo as it stands. There is no guarantee of a European spot as for now, though.

Despite Dundalk’s abysmal result, they still finish in 3^rd place after Waterford’s loss to Harps. They will compete in Europa League qualifying next season, but it’s clear that much work is to be done if they intend to claim the league title.

Full-time: Dundalk 0-2 Sligo Rovers

The #bitored come from bottom of the table at the restart to finish fourth after a magnificent victory to round off a brilliant run

The FAI Cup will now decide the outcome of the European place pic.twitter.com/s7tpzjprnI

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic

St Pat’s could have potentially claimed a play-off spot with a win against Bohemians, but even if they did, they would have to rely on other results. Bohs’ on the other hand had nothing to play for as their 2^nd place position was secured earlier in the season.

Bohemian’s have had an incredible season; particularly given the youthfulness of the squads they’ve chosen over the season. They were the youngest team in the Irish Premier Division and 21^st youngest team in Europe’s top flight divisions as they finished the season. They continued to trust in youth last night as they played yet another young team. Brighton bound 16-year-old Evan Ferguson was the focus of attention as he started his first league match of the season.

The teenager nearly made an impression early into the game as a Danny Grant cross found him before he bundled the ball into the net. In a controversial decision, though, the goal was ruled out for handball.

St Pat’s were the first to score an official goal as Jordan Gibson broke the deadlock in the 37^th minute. That didn’t last for long, though. Danny Grant scored the equaliser just before half time for Bohemians. The left winger has been in terrific form this season which has warranted his inclusion in the latest Ireland u21s squad.

Andre Wright, another in form man, secured the win for Bohemians with his penalty in the 63^rd minute. The match finished 2-1 to Bohemians.

Danny Dre
⠀
Another goal added to each of their season tallies last night!
⠀
: @sportsfile pic.twitter.com/R57WT7xQmV

— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) November 10, 2020

Here’s how the final league table looks:

FINAL TABLE | Premier Division

Wow. What a night. @FinnHarpsFC survive@sligorovers in potential European spot @ShamrockRovers unbeaten Champions @shelsfc head to the promotion/relegation play-off#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/sw9yJdC6vF

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

The post Drama filled Irish Premier Division final day recap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dundalk v St Patrick’s Athletic, Friday, Oriel Park 7.45pm, RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and WatchLOI.ie

Dundalk sit in 2nd place in the table at present with 4 wins from 5 games played. They have won their last three games in a row. St Pat’s currently are in 4th position in the table on 6 points, with 2 wins and 2 losses. There have been plenty of changes for either side over the last few months.

David McMillan returns to Oriel Park after leaving Scotland. Dundalk are three points behind Shamrock Rovers and a slip up even at this early stage could put hopes to a league title. St Pat’s are now managed by former Dundalk player Stephen McDonnell. He has a full squad available with new signings David Titov and Jordan Gibson coming into the squad. Georgie Kelly will not play due to terms of his loan deal with Dundalk.

Manager Thoughts: 

Speaking to the clubs website St Pat’s manager Stephen McDonnell said, It’s a hectic schedule, a bit of a crazy one after having so long off. Having so many games in a short period of time, the main concern for the players will be injury prevention and it is somewhat inevitable that you will pick up injuries with that schedule after so long off.

Betting

Dundalk are 8/15 to in this game, while St Pat’s are 9/2. For me it’s a Dundalk 2-0 win.

The post Dundalk v St Pat’s: Team News and Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Derry City v Sligo Rovers, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Friday, 5.45pm

Both of these sides are closer to the bottom of the table rather than the top. Derry are currently in 7th place with 4 points from 7 games, while Sligo Rovers are bottom in 10th having not won a game yet. There have been some changes in Derry with players like Tim Nilsen and Jamie McDonagh leaving for pastures new. Derry returned to training four weeks earlier than Sligo so that is bound to help.

Derry have players such as Jake Dunwoody, Joe Thomson, Adam Hammill, James Akintunde and Ibrahim Meite who have joined the squad. Meanwhile, Darren Cole has since returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury. Looking at Sligo Rovers, Ronan Murray and Lewis Banks are back and available for selection. John Dunleavy is also reported to match fit. Junior Ogedi Uzokwe has received work permit and is also available. He will not be allowed to take part in Friday’s game due to quarantine.

Manager Thoughts

Declan Devine manager of Derry City speaking to the clubs website said, “This league is competitive enough as it is with just ten teams, but everybody will look to be on the front foot straight away as there won’t be much time to make up any lost ground”. 

Liam Buckley manager of Sligo Rovers speaking to the clubs website said “When the players returned to training they were in good condition and they’ve worked very hard over the last few weeks. “It hasn’t been ideal in having the short period of training and missing lads who have gone through quarantine. There’s an imbalance in the league in that. But this is the situation and we have to make the best of what we have.

Betting

Derry are clear favourites to win this game at 8/11. Sligo are 7/2 to get their first win. For me a 2-1 win for Derry at 6/1 is the selection.

The post Derry City v Sligo Rovers: Team News and Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dundalk, will be playing the Champions League and they will enter at the first round of qualifying on the 18th/19th of August. Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians will play in the first round of Europa League qualifying on the 27th of August. RTE Sport report that the qualifying rounds will be one off games (no home and away). This is because football governing body UEFA are trying to make space to conclude the 2019/20 season. The first round qualifying draw will be made a week before games, following the preliminary round games.

The four teams have resumed training since last week and will be now of course eager to get back into competitive on the field play. However, RTE state that the clubs remain in discussions with the FAI on whether or how to finish the domestic season. Peamount United will begin their European campaign on the 7th of October. UEFA have also revealed the remainder of the 2019/20 Champions League will be played in Lisbon, Portugal.

The 8 teams in the competition will take part in a straight knockout tournament between the 12th and 23rd of August. The games will take place in two venues which are home to Sporting Lisbon and Benfica. The four remaining last 16 games will take place on the 7th/8th of August, these games are Man City v Real Madrid, Chelsea v Bayern Munich, Juventus v Lyon and Napoli v Barcelona. Four teams have already found passage to the last 8 these are PSG, Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid. Regarding these games venues have yet to be decided on.

The Europa League from the last 8 onwards will take place across 4 venues in Germany. These been Cologne, Duisburg, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen. These games will take place between the 10 and 21st of August. The final will be held in Cologne. President of UEFA Alex Ceferin said, fans may be allowed at the games but a decision has not yet been reached. He said, “If I would answer today, we don’t think we could have spectators at the Champions League or Europa League finals, but things are changing rapidly. “We will assess the situation at the beginning of July and we will see what the situation will be. It would be incompetent from us if we were to decide in advance about the situation.”

To Summarise: 

UEFA Champions League 2020/21
Preliminary round: 8 and 11 August
First qualifying round: 18/19 August
Second qualifying round: 25/26 August
Third qualifying round: 15/16 September
Play-offs: 22/23 and 29/30 September
Group stage: 20/21 and 27/28 October, 3/4 and 24/25 November, 1/2 and 8/9 December

UEFA Europa League 2020/21
Preliminary round: 20 August
First qualifying round: 27 August
Second qualifying round: 17 September
Third qualifying round: 24 September
Play-offs: 1 October
Group stage: 22 and 29 October, 5 and 26 November, 3 and 10 December

UEFA Women’s Champions League 2020/21
Qualifying round mini-tournament: 7 and 13 October

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