2024 was a vintage season of League of Ireland football. Despite a rich tapestry of storylines, the defining thread was undeniably Damien Duff's Shelbourne charging to a first title in almost 20 years.
Ireland legend Duff led Shels to their first crown since 2006, with his intensity forging a siege mentality on Richmond Road. The "us against the world" attitude saw Shels come out trumps despite spending the entire second half of the season with their backs on the ropes.
This time last year, Shelbourne were outsiders, having just snuck into Europe the previous season. Few gave them a chance of catching frontrunners Rovers or Derry. Now, they go into the season with the target on their backs.
Captain Mark Coyle tells us at Wednesday's 2025 League of Ireland season launch in the Mansion House that it will not change the siege mentality that defined last year's title triumph.
It's been very intense. We're aware of the target being on our backs now and it's something we want to defend. It's a challenge we're all looking forward to. We've been working very hard in pre-season and just can't wait for the season to start now.
I think it's down to us and how we prepare and our mindset coming into it.
There is probably an aspect of [the siege mentality changing]. But also, I don't think we're favourites again for the title this year. I don't think it really does change it, we're still written off by a lot of people.
We still have that siege mentality and it's probably good for us to have that chip on the shoulder. It gives you that extra motivating factor. As I say, for us, it's about how we prepare.
The chief instigator of such a mentality was undoubtedly Coyle's manager Duff. The ex-Chelsea star made headlines on several occasions for outspoken comments about the FAI and even his own players, but it's clear that he worked some special magic behind the scenes.
5 February 2025; Shelbourne manager Damien Duff and Mark Coyle of Shelbourne during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Men's First Division and SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Launch 2025 at Mansion House in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Coyle laughed as he told us nothing has changed from the boss ahead of the new season - well, almost.
"I think the gaffer's been probably a bit more intense," Coyle said, "Which is great for us because he's obviously had that experience of being there and doing it so he knows what it takes. That's probably why he is [more intense] because he knows we have to be on it. We can't be sitting thinking about last year.
"He wouldn't mind me saying this but he's probably a wee bit more unhappy with things! But in a good way, he just expects such high standards and, if we're not reaching them, then he's going to tell us. That's why we are where we are. It's down to them high standards and us reaching them day-in-day-out.
"It's great for us, it's great to have that, it adds a bit of freshness, a bit of bite. I just look forward now to making sure the season starts well and hopefully he eases off a bit!"
READ HERE: Denise O'Sullivan Says "Disrespectful" FAI Treatment Of Colin Healy "Lacked Compassion"
READ HERE: Bohs Manager Understands 'Risk' As Mousset Signing Confirmed
Mark Coyle jokes about Damien Duff's infamous dressing room bet
One of the most memorable moments of Shelbourne's title celebrations last November saw Damien Duff attempt to contact his former manager Jose Mourinho from the dressing room after the decisive win at Derry City.
Calling Jose after the title win 😅 pic.twitter.com/PCdvoHgCCt
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) November 2, 2024
In a viral clip, Duff promised to put a "monkey" behind the bar if Mourinho did not pick up the phone. Jose did not answer and it was later revealed that a "moneky" refers to €500 being put in the kitty for the celebration fund. The Shelbourne players confirmed that their boss had been true to his word.
Mark Coyle told Balls.ie on Wednesday that there are no such wagers planned for the 2025 season just yet and joked that the squad is "all business."
No, not yet! There's been no bets with him anyway, we're all business at the minute.
I think that was probably a bit of a crack and a joke. We know what our aims are and what we have to do to achieve them. It's a matter of putting them words into action now and making sure that it does happen.
Shelbourne get their 2025 season underway with Friday night's Presidents Cup against Longford at Tolka Park - kick-off is at 7:45pm. They will face Derry City in Drumcondra on the opening night of the League of Ireland season, with the game live on Virgin Media Two.
Eoin Harrington reporting from the Mansion House
SEE ALSO: League Of Ireland Unveil Fantasy LOI Ahead Of New Season
