Former Chelsea winger to join Keith Andrews at Brentford

Former Chelsea and Ireland winger Damien Duff looks set to join Brentford as Keith Andrews' new assistant manager.

The 100-cap Republic of Ireland international had been out of work since leaving his role as Shelbourne manager in June 2025, but has now secured a return to football.

Duff, who won the League of Ireland title with Shelbourne in 2024, joins his former international teammate, as he returns to the Premier League for the first time since he left Fulham in 2014.

A former Chelsea, Newcastle United, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers winger, Damien Duff had an illustrious career in England, lifting two Premier League titles, two League Cups and a Community Shield during his 18-year career in the English top flight.

In a statement announcing his arrival, Brentford said: "We're delighted to welcome Damien Duff to Brentford as first-team assistant coach... Damien joins Keith Andrews’ first-team staff ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season."

The 47 year-old will officially join the Bees next month, as he gets set to manage current Irish internationals Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher.

In a statement on Brentford's website, manager Keith Andrews said: “I’ve known Damien for a long time,”

“I’ve seen him up close throughout his coaching journey. We’ve been on courses together and worked together as coaches with the Republic of Ireland national team."

“Damien will bring experience, presence and a real level of detail to our coaching department. He will add to the great group we already have and I’m very pleased that he is joining us" he continued.

Brentford had a remarkable season in 2025/26, defying all expectations to finish ninth in the Premier League, missing out on European football by just one point.

The Bees will be hoping that Duff's arrival can help them to continue their surge up the top flight under Andrews, as they look to establish themselves as regular European contenders.