Damien Duff

[Murfinator]

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/duff-answers-irelands-call-3208487.html

Duff confirms he'll continue playing for Ireland. Says he's feeling as fit as he's ever felt and doesn't think playing for both teams will impact on the other.

Great to here he's feeling good, seems to have gotten over the injuries he struggled with a few seasons ago.

[Charlie Darwin]

Great news, he'll be an important player for us this campaign touch wood.

[EastTerracer]

Great news if it's true but I'd prefer a better source than Paul Hyland paraphrasing "close friends and family". Hopefully it will all be cleared up with the squad announcement tomorrow.

[geysir]

What news?

From IT July 3rd
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has insisted he is still prepared to line out for his country if called upon.
“There’s speculation just because of my age, I’m 33 years old, but I feel as good as ever, I feel 23,” he said while in Lebanon visiting Irish troops. “Listen I’m going to play until I drop.“I don’t think I’m really interested in anything else. Fulham, Ireland, if I end up in the Airtricity League, the Leinster Senior League. I’m going to do all that. You may laugh but that’s the plan, it’s on my list. I’m just going to play until I drop so I have to look after myself to do that.”

[EastTerracer]

What news?

From IT July 3rd
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has insisted he is still prepared to line out for his country if called upon.
“There’s speculation just because of my age, I’m 33 years old, but I feel as good as ever, I feel 23,” he said while in Lebanon visiting Irish troops. “Listen I’m going to play until I drop.“I don’t think I’m really interested in anything else. Fulham, Ireland, if I end up in the Airtricity League, the Leinster Senior League. I’m going to do all that. You may laugh but that’s the plan, it’s on my list. I’m just going to play until I drop so I have to look after myself to do that.”

Maybe the FAI should get Trap a subscription to the Irish Times (despite the cost) because he didn't seem too clear last week. And, as shown on the previous page, the Irish Indo on the same day (July 3rd) had a slightly different version of the same conversation with Duffer.

[geysir]

That Indo article from July 3rd pales into comparison with the IT's comprehensive report based on listening to what Duff said, recording his comments leaving no doubt to the interpretation.

[BonnieShels]

That Indo article from July 3rd pales into comparison with the IT's comprehensive report based on listening to what Duff said, recording his comments leaving no doubt to the interpretation.

But sure, as the best-"selling" newspaper in the country why would they have need for facts and journalistic integrity.

[tetsujin1979]

nothing official yet, but rumours on the twitters is that Duff has retired from international football

[paul_oshea]

Ken early says he retired

Ken Early @kenearlys9m
damien duff retires from international football - trapattoni press conference today at 3:30pm

i thought the sorcerer geysir, said he wasnt retiring?

[Charlie Darwin]

This is all very confusing. I hope it's not true but nobody can question his commitment - 100 caps despite several serious injuries over the course of his career.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Newstalk were the first ones out with it.

[Junior]

Ken early says he retired

Ken Early @kenearlys9m
damien duff retires from international football - trapattoni press conference today at 3:30pm

i thought the sorcerer geysir, said he wasnt retiring?

Well in fairness didnt Duffer himself saying he was playing till he dropped. I am confused.......(No smart answers at the back).

Everyone twittering it, Dan McConnell, Miguel Delaney etc... $hite.

[paul_oshea]

Ah no i know, the point im trying to make is the emphasis always placed on "interpretation".

Still strange that he would change his mind all of a sudden. Perhaps his wife threatened to leave him. Ah no perhaps she wanted to see more of him...:D

[DannyInvincible]

The twitterati seem pretty sure it's been confirmed. Still think Duffer could have offered us quite a lot, but it's entirely his decision (assuming the news is true). Another one of our fantastic servants. Will always remember him bursting onto the scene for us in 1998 and running himself absolutely ragged. What a joy to watch in the green he has been since. Great player with a modest attitude.

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/France+v+Republic+Ireland+FIFA+2010+World+5bR3KA5_ Uqel.jpg

The positive thing is that we have strength in depth on the wings, but he'll still be missed.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think he still has a few years at the top. Oddly, his history of injuries probably means he has a bit more in the tank than other players, plus his technical ability has always meant he never had to rely on pace.

[brine3]

Say it ain't so.........

This guy was an absolutely brilliant player for Ireland. But we wasted him isolated out on the (wrong) wing, or asked him to do too much work covering for full-backs. But he never complained, bless him.

The team should have been built around him. Can't help wonder what could have been...

[Charlie Darwin]

Didn't Mick try him in a free role behind, I think, Robbie before eventually making him a striker?

[DannyInvincible]

Statement from Duff (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=477743235577761&set=a.242684135750340.68027.239295259422561&type=1):


It has always been a source of immense pride for me to represent my country. I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni. I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special. I want to wish Giovanni, Marco and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way.

[jbyrne]

is the 3.30pm press conference being streamed live?

[DannyInvincible]

Not that I'm aware of.

[DannyInvincible]

According to Alan Smith of ExtraTime.ie, Trap says Duff informed him of retirement last week by text: https://twitter.com/alansmith90/status/239010430494863360

[Charlie Darwin]

The method of communication would have been most pleasing to Trap, even if the content of the message wasn't.

[DannyInvincible]

So, what was Paul Hyland writing about yesterday?

[back of the net]

Very Confused by this if the retirment is true....RTE sayin he is gone but he came out a few weeks ago sayin he was going nowhere.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish/2012/0824/334849-duff-retirement-rumours-gather-pace/

[Charlie Darwin]

So, what was Paul Hyland writing about yesterday?
The contents of his large intestine, one would imagine.

[DannyInvincible]

Very Confused by this if the retirment is true....RTE sayin he is gone but he came out a few weeks ago sayin he was going nowhere.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish/2012/0824/334849-duff-retirement-rumours-gather-pace/

Well, he's definitely retired. The FAI have a tribute on their site (http://www.fai.ie/international/senior-men/102690.html):


The Football Association of Ireland today announced that Damien Duff has decided to retire from international football. The 33 year old has played for the Republic of Ireland since 1998, earning 100 senior caps, making him one of only five Irish players ever to do so.

At underage level Damien Duff was a star player in Brian Kerr’s side that finished third in the 1997 World Youth Championships. He made his debut for the senior team in March 1998 against the Czech Republic alongside Robbie Keane who earned his first cap in the same match. He went on to become one of Ireland’s greatest players, working his magic on the wing for a succession of Irish managers and competing in two major championships.

The player found it very difficult to make his decision. He had been discussing the matter with Giovanni Trapattoni for some time but is sure in his mind that he is choosing the right moment to bow out and make way for the next generation to come through.

Announcing his decision today, Damien Duff said,
“It has always been a source of immense pride for me to represent my country. I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni. I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special. I want to wish Giovanni, Marco and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way.”

Some comments from Trap, Delaney and Paddy McCaul:


Commenting on the news, Giovanni Trapattoni said, “Damien will be missed by us and by Irish fans everywhere. He was immensely skilful and a great example to the players who come after him. I give him my warmest best wishes for his future career.”

Paddy Mc Caul, President of the FAI said, “Damien produced some moments of unforgettable magic on the pitch that will remain with Irish fans forever. We thank him for his enormous dedication over the last 14 years.”

John Delaney, Chief Executive added, “I have no doubt that Damien Duff will go down in history as one of Ireland’s greatest ever players. He has been an extraordinary servant to his country and has given us all some wonderful memories as well as being a true gentleman. Thank you Damien and all the best for the future.”

[Murfinator]

I don't understand this given all the comments we've heard in the past few weeks. At least 3 seperate sources quoting Duff confirmed he wanted to continue on, his retirement wasn't even something anyone was entertaining.

To hear this is just devastating. Our best player bar nobody, his stats in the Euros absolutely dominated every other outfield player in almost every aspect. We're royally ****ed.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's quite probable he just changed his mind between his original comments and now.

[EastTerracer]

To be honest, I am not that surprised. The stuff quoting friends and family is usually not reliable and, as I pointed out yesterday, the message when he was flying out to Lebanon wasn't consistently reported by the two main newspapers.

Duff did say he would play football until he dropped in that "interview" but I don't think it was 100% clear that he said he wouldn't retire from international football (apart from the Irish Times version). My interpretation was that he would never stop playing football entirely.

More importantly though, we were lucky to have him for 14/15 years. One of my favourite Irish players ever and he owes us nothing.

Thanks for everything Duffer!

[Murfinator]

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/duff-answers-irelands-call-3208487.html

Quality herald journalism from just yesterday.

[back of the net]

Just Came across this....fittingly it was posted by Eirebhoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYogG8x_im0

[DannyInvincible]

What was the actual explanation behind this one?:

https://p.twimg.com/A1EnO-aCIAIVSTI.jpg:large

Adhering to old Lansdowne tradition whilst caught up in the passion of the moment? Wasn't the tricolour hung from the roof of the east stand, explaining why all the other players faced in that direction?

[Charlie Darwin]

Maybe he was just asleep.

[paul_oshea]

He seemed to be asleep a lot.

I find this could be a blessing in some ways, for some games, but hte bigger ones when we need to relieve possesion and win frees i would worry.

Duffer from the bench in a tight game where we need to hold onto possession or relieve pressure, would have been perfect. Perhaps he wasn't happy with a bench role and would only want to play the full game.

Well done, a great servant and always seemed a gentleman will never forget when he went to the guy in the wheelchair in bulgaria and took off his top and handed it to him, he had crossed the length of the pitch and made a beeline for him, somethign he had obviously decided from early in the game.

A great player, and a great ambassador for all thats good about Irish football.

[geysir]

It's quite probable he just changed his mind between his original comments and now.
Maybe Trap made it clear (via Tardelli) that he wouldn't be first choice any longer.
Duff had said he would play until he drops but maybe he meant to say 'until he was dropped'.

[rebelmusic]

I just got a sick feeling in my stomach realising that we'll never see duffer in the green jersey again. Feels like a hot chick just dumped me...

[elroy]

Shows how much Paul Hyland and the Herald knows, why anyone would waste their time with that paper.

Sorry to see Duffer go. Somewhat surprised but then again he is 33, he probably has only 2 years left at the very top and would be 35 in a WC. Also werent there stories that one of his kids was sick around the time there was speculation a player had to pull out of the squad.

I personally think there is a place in the squad still for the lad, be in as an impact sub or even for the LB role but look Duffer owes us nothing. Its always sad to see someone as committed and as talented as him retire. The trip away to Slovakia when injured, the tears in Paris - the guy was not just a player but a fan and all of us fans could understand him as it was clear how much it meant to him to play for Ireland. Can anyone ever remember Duffer ever causing any Irish set up the slightest bit of grief.

I recall the campaign including Israel and Russia, for Euro 2006 I think, he was our best and strongest player. But throughout his Irish career he was consistently good, from the early days to 2002, to the Kerr era to Traps days. Its a word used too far, but a real legend of Irish football.

Thanks Duffer, you will be sorely missed.

[Olé Olé]

Sickened to see the Duffer pack in international football. Never gave less than 100% for Ireland in terms of effort, effort which combined equal parts ingenuity and hard work, which has to be admired in a winger. Furthermore, of the Euro 2012 squad, he's the only player to have made an integral impression at a top 4 side in the past ten years. On this basis, one could deem him the best Irish player since Roy Keane. His form around the time of the 2002 World Cup (before, during and after), sometimes playing as a striker at international level, certainly merits such a tag.
His club career isn't over yet, so I wish him many more fruitful years representing Ireland in the Premiership and whatever else follows.

[Murfinator]

Scored again today, against Man Utd in Old Trafford.

[Charlie Darwin]

Call him up Trap!

[SkStu]

Craig Forrest, and his brainless sidekick on SNW, accusing Duff of "using his physicality" illegally to get Fulhams opener...Jaysus.

[Charlie Darwin]

It's a sad state of affairs when neanderthals like Duff have to rely on their immense physicality to dominate their opponents.

[SkStu]

Just used his brute force to play a delightful through ball which was central to Fulhams goal. Lovely pass.

[Crosby87]

He's loking like the old Duffer today.

[Charlie Darwin]

He's loking like the old Duffer today.
He's definitely showing the strength and physicality that made us fall in love with him in the first place.

[Crosby87]

Yes he is evolving before our eyes Charles.

[tricky_colour]

All good things must come to an end, but it is a shame he is retiring when he is banging in the goals, joint 2nd top scorer (of 7) at the moment.
On the positive side we are not exactly short of wingers, so perhaps best he bows out at the top.

[Murfinator]

All good things must come to an end, but it is a shame he is retiring when he is banging in the goals, joint 2nd top scorer (of 7) at the moment.
On the positive side we are not exactly short of wingers, so perhaps best he bows out at the top.

We're short of wingers who can retain possession for longer than 1/4th of a millisecond however, desperately short. Or indeed just players in general.

[tricky_colour]

We're short of wingers who can retain possession for longer than 1/4th of a millisecond however, desperately short. Or indeed just players in general.

However I see him as more replaceable than Richard Dunne for example, we have for example, McGeady, McClean, Hunt, Andy Reid, Hoolahan, Doyle and no doubt a few other who can play on the wings/midfield. I'd really struggle to find 6 replacements for Dunne. There may be a hole to fill but it's not a very deep one.
Anyhow we will see soon enough how much we will miss him.

[Murfinator]

However I see him as more replaceable than Richard Dunne for example, we have for example, McGeady, McClean, Hunt, Andy Reid, Hoolahan, Doyle and no doubt a few other who can play on the wings/midfield. I'd really struggle to find 6 replacements for Dunne. There may be a hole to fill but it's not a very deep one.
Anyhow we will see soon enough how much we will miss him.

I'm unsure given Dunnes recent form, the drop to JOS + St Ledger with Kelly right back isn't titanic. Also consider the type of midfield we play and defences shouldn't be badly exposed. It's still a loss without Dunne but I don't think it'd be as bad as people expect.
For me I see our biggest problem in the team as the retention of possession, not holding possession puts our defence under more pressure, gives us less attacking opportunities and just tires out everyone. Duff was the best player by a mile at relieving pressure, winning set pieces and launching attacking platforms, to lose him is worsening what was already our biggest flaw.