Former Celtic coach Damien Duff has been appointed as Brentford’s new first-team assistant coach.
The Irishman joins Keith Andrews’ staff after continuing to build his coaching career since leaving Parkhead. Duff worked at Celtic under Neil Lennon and was a popular figure with players and supporters during his time in Glasgow.
His move to Brentford is a strong next step. The London club finished ninth in the Premier League last season, and Duff now walks into a side that has built a reputation for getting the most out of players without spending at the same level as some of the clubs around them.
For Celtic fans, there will still be interest in how Duff gets on. His time at the club was not long, but he made an impression, and he has never hidden how much he valued being part of Celtic.
Keith Andrews knows Duff well from their time together in Irish football and explained what Brentford are getting.
He said: (Brentford FC), “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.”
Duff’s coaching progression has been an interesting one. After his playing career, he did not simply trade off his name. He went into coaching, worked his way through different roles and built up experience at club and international level.
At Celtic, he was part of a staff working under major pressure. Every session, every selection and every result is picked apart at Parkhead, and that kind of environment can sharpen a young coach quickly.
Brentford will now give him a different test. Premier League football is ruthless, and the margins are often tiny for clubs trying to stay in the top half.
For Duff, this is a chance to make his mark in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. For Celtic supporters who remember his spell in Glasgow fondly, it will be one to keep an eye on.
