Duff set to reignite his career

I was delighted to hear the news that Damien Duff made a switch to Fulham, running away from Mike Ashley and his sinking ship called Newcastle. The Irish winger had endured a very difficult period with the Magpies but he remained loyal despite all that was happening. He did not expressed desire to leave but rather wanted to stay and help the club the practically ruined his career. However, Fulham then came to the rescue and Duff will finally get the chance to kick-start his career. Maybe it’s not to late for him to do that.

Having come through the youth ranks of several Irish clubs, Damien Duff made his debut for Blackburn at the age of 18 and went on to play more than 200 games for Rovers during his seven years at the club. That was the club where he made a name for himself and he soon became one of the first signings of Abramovich era at Chelsea. He was paid £17 million but failed to impress in his first season at Stamford Bridge, which was plagued with injuries. Mourinho didn’t seem to like Duff as a player very much and he only used him occasionally or when his first choice players got injured. The Irishman was, nevertheless, integral part of the Chelsea side that won the Premier League and League Cup titles in 2004/05 but he only spent one more season with the Blues before making his move to Newcastle.

The three years at Newcastle were probably the worst period in the player’s career as he spent most of the time on the sidelines, never having enough time to make a real impact. Duff, however, remained one of the key players in Ireland national team, where he still makes a formidable wing partnership with Aiden McGeady. Duff eventually got relegated with Newcastle after the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the St James outfit but just as he started the Championship campaign, Roy Hodgson came calling and the winger is now set to become part of the new Fulham.

The Cottagers have been doing great lately and they are set to embark on the European campaign, which is another reason why Duff was the obvious choice for Roy Hodgson. The Irishman has played a couple of years at the highest level and his experience will be a great asset for the Cottagers, while if injuries pass him by, Duff has got plenty to offer. I am confident he is still eager to do well at the big stage and his motivation was never a problem. I am certainly looking forward to seeing Duff in the Premiership again, whereas his fresh challenge will also aid Republic of Ireland’s chances of finally making it to the World Cup.

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