Shelbourne FC manager Damian Duff is no longer a candidate for the vacant Lincoln City managerial vacancy after signing a new contract extension at the club, as announced on their official website.
The former international had been one of the bookmakers’ favourites since the departure of Mark Kennedy earlier in the season, however, has opted to sign an extended contract at the League of Ireland side. Duff has impressed since taking over the side in 2021, guiding the club to an FAI Cup final appearance as well as a 7th-place finish in his first season. This season, his side finished 4th, on the verge of a spot in Europe depending on the result of the FAI Cup final this weekend. Several backroom staff have also extended their deals.
The news came shortly after some bookmakers suspended the odds on Des Buckingham becoming the new Lincoln City boss, with a dramatic drop in the odds. Although it is unclear at this stage whether the City Group coach will become the Imps’ new man the change could indicate that a decision is approaching. The former Oxford United player is the current head coach of Indian Super League club Mumbai City, which was acquired by CFG in 2020/21. Tom Shaw has taken interim charge of the club and will be in the dugout for their fixture against Port Vale at Sincil Bank this afternoon. Several other names such as former boss Danny Cowley, Stephen Kenny and Stephen Bradley have also been linked to the club in recent weeks.
Writer’s View
Duff was one of my personal choices for the job, he has worked wonders at Shelbourne and managed to get the most out of Jack Moylan who will link up with Lincoln in January. His new contract could be an indication that Lincoln have opted to give the job to someone else and with the uncertainty gone it allows him to re-commit to his current club. Buckingham would be an interesting appointment, I don’t know much about him, but people I trust in the game speak highly of him.