Damien Duff was seen as a key part of Ireland's future after being added to Stephen Kenny's coaching staff in 2020, so there was plenty of disappointment when he opted to walk away from the role at the start of the year.
It certainly came as a shock at the time, with Duff having previously spoken very highly of Kenny and what he was trying to achieve with the team.
The exact reasons for his departure have never been confirmed, although it has been suggested that the furore surrounding the pre-match motivational video shown to the players ahead of the friendly against England had something to do with it.
The FAI launched an investigation into the video last year after someone within the camp leaked their opinion to an English newspaper. In the end, it was found that noting untoward had taken place.
Duff himself has never mentioned the video in public, although he seems to have thrown a subtle dig at the FAI this afternoon.
Appearing on RTÉ's Euro 2020 coverage, the former Chelsea winger was speaking about Scotland's upcoming clash against England when he threw in a cheeky mention of a potential motivational video.
Defiant Duffer pic.twitter.com/jNsmqaMZay
— John Fallon (@JFallonExaminer) June 14, 2021
It's a free hit (for Scotland). Down at Wembley they will just make it outright war.
If it was up to me I would definitely make a motivational video as well.
It didn't take an expert to spot that one.
Speaking on the national broadcaster earlier this year, Duff said that he wanted to keep his reasons for resigning from the role 'private'. However, he did suggest that the way some things had been handled during his time with Ireland did not sit well with him.
I know I've made the right decision because not one day has passed where I've regretted it...
I felt strongly about things and I would have been unhappy with myself if I stayed...
I can't hide away in my house forever because I've left the FAI. No way. People will say that I've let my country down - I've let nobody down here.
Perhaps someday we will get an insight into the full story.
SEE ALSO: Ally McCoist Co-Commentary Highlights The Huge ITV-Shaped Void In Our Euros Viewing Experience
