Shelbourne goalkeeper Conor Kearns says Damien Duff has made him "a stronger character" and believes the former Republic of Ireland international is on track to bring silverware to Tolka Park.
Kearns had an excellent 2023 with the Reds, playing a major part in helping them to qualify for Europe thanks to a fourth-placed finish in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.
He was named in the PFAI Team of the Year and has been nominated for the SSE Airtricity Soccer Writers Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year award, but the 25-year-old is keen to direct all praise his boss's way.
"In terms of the influence he's had on me he has definitely made me a stronger character," said Kearns.
"He has pushed me to levels in training that I have not necessarily hit before.
"It's not to speak ill of any other coaches or managers that I have had, he just seems to set this new standard of every single player. He works very tightly with the goalkeeping group and with Paul Skinner, who is a fantastic coach.
"He has that influence of demanding a really high standard in training.
"At the moment the club looks like it’s only going to go one way under his guidance. It was absolutely huge that he remained at the club for next season, certainly not just for myself but for a number of players that message was echoed - that we really really feel that the right man is at the wheel at the moment.
"When your players feel that way it can only be a positive."
There had been some questions marks over Duff's future until a change of ownership at Shels last month saw Hull City owner Acun IIicali hand back control of the club to its Irish directors. That swiftly led to Duff's contract being renewed, with plans for next season now well in motion.
His impact at Shelbourne has been significant in all sorts of ways, as the Dubliner - a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea - constantly searches for extra percentages on and off the field.
"The first week I was in at the club, he asked me if I do any work in terms of working with a sports psychologist or psychotherapist," added Kearns.
"I had previously and he stressed the importance for a goalkeeper to work on that side of the game. The club linked me with a sports psychologist who I've been working with throughout the whole season and I think it's paid dividends for both the high moments and the low moments.
"I think that's just another notch under his belt in terms of the lengths he goes to, to make sure players are as best prepared as possible."
These are exciting time for Shels supporters who will hope to get a bit closer to four-in-a-row league champions Shamrock Rovers next year.
Under Duff's guidance, Kearns feels anything is possible.
"A lot of people have said Shelbourne were a sleeping giant and punching below their weight," he said.
"Since he’s come in it’s been somewhat of a meteoric rise. There’s such a positive feel around the place, the people you encounter, there’s faith in the manager and all the staff.
"In terms of what we can achieve going forward, as a group I don't remember the last time a club who were relegated were so quickly back in cup finals and challenging for European football, on a budget smaller than a lot of teams in the league. I think it's a testament to how skilled he is as a coach, as a motivator, as a manager."
