Damien Duff has welcomed the arrival of businessman Acun Ilicali as Shelbourne's new majority shareholder, insisting it can help take the club to the next level.
Shels will enter the summer break in sixth place in the table after a 1-1 draw at home to Sligo Rovers, but matters on the pitch were overshadowed by the announcement earlier in the day that Hull City owner Ilicali has taken a majority shareholding in the club.
The Turkish broadcaster and businessman has been linked with Irish clubs in the past, notably Dundalk, but has thrown his weight in behind the Tolka Park club, with Shelbourne insisting the deal would lead to increased investment in the first team, the academy and the club's facilities.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, the Shels boss said that while he had no input into the decision, he believes it is a significant day for the club.
"Managers come and go, so it’s not my decision, but I’ve absolutely believed in the last 18 months that Shelbourne football club is a very exciting place to be and the takeover just makes it more exciting," he said.
"They are good guys, I’ve met them and I can’t wait to meet them again and it’s only going to help take Shelbourne to the next level. I can’t wait."
Hull City ile başlayan güçlü futbol yatırımlarımız İrlanda Premier Ligi'nin en eski ve köklü kulüplerinden Shelbourne FC’nin çoğunluk hisselerini almamızla devam ediyor. Hedefimiz Shelbourne FC ile birlikte Avrupa Kupaları’na katılmak, önemli başarılar elde etmek ve birçok… pic.twitter.com/Uar08LqO8M
— Acun Ilıcalı (@acunilicali) June 9, 2023
In a statement on Twitter this morning, Ilicali said his goal was to compete in European competition, but the Republic of Ireland centurion dismissed the notion that it would heap more expectation on his shoulders.
"I don’t need anyone coming in, external pressure and goals… nobody can put more pressure on me than I do already.
"Europe is a goal. I want to bring silverware back to Tolka Park. It’s nothing new.
"The news today? Absolutely brilliant for the club. Let’s go."
With so many League of Ireland clubs experiencing financial difficulties, and in some cases some perilous positions, Duff allayed fears some fans may have over the new investment.
"There is a danger in everything. There is a danger when I’m driving to Tolka Park tonight. Let’s be honest.
"I’m positive, highly ambitious and highly optimistic about everything at the club, and nothing has changed."
