First XI

Bloom pays tribute as Duffy joins Fulham

Defender departs after nearly seven years at the club.

By Bruce Talbot • 31 January 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Shane Duffy made 119 Premier League appearances for the club.

Chairman Tony Bloom has paid tribute to Shane Duffy after the defender joined Fulham on a permanent basis, having been on loan there since the start of the season.

He said, “Shane has played such an important role during his time at the club. He was a key character in our promotion to the Premier League in his first season here.

“He was equally key in helping to establish the club in the Premier League and has always been extremely popular in the dressing room and with Albion fans. 

“I’d like to thank him for everything and to wish him and his family all the best for the future from everyone associated with the club.

“His contribution to our recent history won’t be forgotten and Shane will always be assured a warm welcome at the Amex.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Shane joined the club in 2016 and helped us win promotion to the Premier League.

Shane arrived at Albion from Blackburn Rovers in August 2016, when he became the club’s record signing, and won promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

He went on to make 119 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring seven goals across two spells. The 31-year-old spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Celtic, making 27 appearances in all competitions.

He returned and put in a man of the match performance on his first Albion start in nearly 18 months in a 2-1 win at Burnley on the opening day of the 2021/22 season. He made 21 appearances last season before heading to Craven Cottage last summer.

Shane began his career as a youngster with Everton, and had loan spells with Burnley, Scunthorpe United and Yeovil Town, clocking up 50 senior appearances, with the majority coming in the Championship.

Called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad in 2012, he eventually made his senior debut against Costa Rica in June 2014. He was part of the Ireland squad at Euro 2016 and has won more than 50 caps for his country.