The Shels boss was once Kenny’s assistant with the Ireland senior team and the pair will now meet again in Monday’s Dublin derby after Kenny was appointed as the Saints’ new boss on a five-and-a-half year deal last Thursday, almost six months after departing the Irish hot seat.
Duff says he’s glad to see the five-time Premier Division winner back in the domestic league, adding that Kenny has been the “shining light” in the league for many years, but insists his sole focus is on his Reds who will be targeting a fourth successive win over the Inchicore outfit on Monday.
“It’s great that he (Kenny) is back in the game, it’s great that he’s back in this league, because I think Irish football runs through his veins,” said Duff, speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory over Waterford on Friday night, a result which maintains their one-point lead at the summit.
“He might have got a gig in England, I’m glad he stayed in Ireland. As for chats and hugs on Monday night, no, it’s all about Shelbourne Football Club and getting three points.
“Listen, I’ve obviously spent some time with Stephen, I know how he likes to play. St Pat’s, top coaches, Seán O’Connor, they can swing it, they can go to a back five, overload the midfield, play a box, two up top, so we’ll see. The most important thing on Monday night isn’t me meeting Stephen, it’s just Shelbourne.
“He (Kenny) is a League of Ireland legend, he has a CV and a trophy cabinet that I and we can only envy at the moment. He’s been the shining light of the league for many years. I’m pleased he’s back, the impact I’m sure will be positive.
“He knows the league inside out, he knows the players, he knows how to galvanise and like I said, all I’m worried about is not looking at other clubs and what’s going on there. It’s all about Shelbourne now and what we can as a staff do to keep improving Shelbourne. So Pat’s, well done, okay it shows amazing ambition, a five-and-a-half year deal, but for me it’s all about Shelbourne.”
Asked about if he has kept in touch with the former Ireland boss of late or whether he was in contact with him this week, Duff added: “No, I don’t speak to anyone, so it’s not something to read into that we had a falling out, no. I’m very fond of Stephen but I don’t speak to anyone.
“I go through my phone, it will be the staff, it will be Darren (Cleary – press officer) once a week for pre-match, it will be my wife and my parents. Outside of that, I don’t speak to anyone in football. I’ll go home tonight and watch Pat’s, my son’s confirmation on Saturday and it’s just all about Pat’s now.”
Friday’s win was Shelbourne’s first home game since Monday’s news that Dublin City Council has granted the club a 250-year lease for the historic Drumcondra ground, putting an end to the uncertainty around its future. A huge ‘Saved Tolka Park’ banner was displayed on the Riverside stand at kick-off and afterwards, Duff shared his personal memories of the venue but said it’s crucial the Reds make more in the future.
“As a player I’ve many amazing memories here obviously with Brian (Kerr), and as a fan. I think there was a B international here against Northern Ireland, so special memories,” said Duff.
“It was always my favourite ground, not because I’m Shelbourne manager, it was always just a special place in my heart. Now it’s absolutely amazing news, even better than a new signing knowing that Tolka is staying, we’re staying. Many amazing memories here for the club and it’s imperative that we make more.”
As for their win over Keith Long’s Waterford, courtesy of a 73rd-minute strike from substitute Seán Boyd, Duff hailed his side’s display as they extended their unbeaten run to six games ahead of Monday’s trip to the Saints, which will be followed by a clash with champions Shamrock Rovers next Friday.
“Absolutely deserved, created a lot of chances and dominated for long spells. It was a brilliant professional performance,” said the Shels boss.
“That (staying top) was the least of my worries tonight. First and foremost, it was about the performance and winning. It was a near on perfect performance at times. You’re going to suck it up at the end, it was a nervy finish because you’re 1-0 up. Should have been more comfortable but it wasn’t, but then lads defending for their lives, another beautiful part of the game.
“He (Boyd) is (having a good season) goal scoring-wise but as I said last week, I still want more. There are reasons why he didn’t start along with others. I don’t want this team just to pick itself, and 11 just to go into a meeting on Thursday knowing they’re starting, because we’ve too many good players.
“So there was probably a few raised eyebrows but the selection of the team proved correct because we started off brilliantly, played brilliantly, created a lot of chances in the first half when Seán wasn’t on the pitch and we always knew he’d make an impact. He comes on and makes an impact. Pleased for him and more importantly the group deserved to win, a pleasing performance.”
