Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has jabbed at League of Ireland agents, after Shels confirmed that Gavin Molloy has left the club for pastures new in Scotland.
Molloy lined out for Shels in Waterford on Thursday night, with the visitors coming away with three points thanks to Will Jarvis' second-half strike.
However, there was a blow for Shelbourne fans in the immediate aftermath of the game, with the club confirming that 22-year-old defender Molloy has completed a move to Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen.
The unexpected departure of Molloy leaves Shels without one of their most impressive defensive performers this season, and missing one of their brightest prospects.
Though the move was only officially confirmed on Friday, Damien Duff gave his reaction pitchside on Thursday night.
Confirming that Molloy had just played his last game for the club, Duff wished the youngster well before throwing a dig at the agents of young players, alleging that they may not always be acting with the best intentions.
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Damien Duff reflects on departure of Shelbourne star
Damien Duff wishes Gavin Molloy well after his last game for Shels.#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/I2ez4BCI9w
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) June 14, 2024
Speaking pitchside in Waterford on Thursday, Damien Duff was asked to comment on the departure of Gavin Molloy. He came out with fighting words, defending the ambition of Shelbourne and throwing a jab at LOI agents.
Don't ever think this club is lacking ambition. This is the way of the world now in the League of Ireland. Young players and their agents...their agents don't always have the best for the player at heart, but there's clauses you can't get around.
If it was up to me, I'd lock Gav in Tolka Park for the next 10 years but, like I said, there's a clause, he's going.
We haven't lacked ambition, the club will move on like it did after Tony Sheridan, Jack Moylan, Wes Hoolahan. We'll move on, we'll do business and we'll adapt as it goes.
Despite his frustration to have lost Gavin Molloy, Duff was adamant that Thursday's match-winner Will Jarvis will stay at Shelbourne.
The ex-Ireland international also praised his departing defender, saying that he hoped to see him succeed in Scotland.
Gav first and foremost...speaking on behalf of everyone, we want to wish him the best of luck. He's a fabulous boy, a class act, never gave me a moment's trouble.
I probably gave him his debut two or three months too late...he was probably knocking on the door for months beforehand.
We'll be looking out for him, like you do with players who have left.
I don't want to see him back. The door is obviously always open for him but, if he's back any time soon, it means he's failed. I don't want him to fail. I wish him all the best.
Shelbourne remain top of the League of Ireland Premier Division, with a two-point margin and a game-in-hand over second-placed Derry City.
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