Cliftonville FC chairman Kevin Crossan has confirmed he will step down from his role once a reported multi-million pound takeover by Canadian investors is finalised. The Belfast Telegraph reported this week that Crossan intends to return to being a regular supporter at Solitude, ending his tenure at the helm of the North Belfast club.
What did Kevin Crossan say about his future?
Kevin Crossan, who has served as chairman of Cliftonville FC, made his intentions clear in a statement to the press. "I want to watch matches again in peace," Crossan said, outlining his simple ambition for life after the boardroom. His planned departure is directly linked to the completion of the takeover deal, which remains ongoing and is not yet finalised. The move would mark a significant change in leadership for a club that finished fifth in the final 2025 Northern Ireland Premiership table, with 47 points from 33 games.
What is the status of the Cliftonville takeover?
The proposed change in ownership involves a group of Canadian investors and is described as a multi-million pound transaction. According to the Belfast Telegraph's report, the process is advancing but has not reached completion. This period of transition comes as the club prepares for its next fixture, a home match against Portadown on September 5th. Portadown currently sit ninth in the table. Fans can track the build-up to this and all upcoming games on our dedicated fixtures page.
How does this news fit with the club's recent form?
The chairman's announcement arrives during a period of reflection following the end of the 2025 season. Cliftonville ended the campaign with a record of 13 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses. Their final match was a 2-1 defeat to Dungannon Swifts on May 9th. Across the season, the team scored 49 goals and conceded 48, finishing with a positive goal difference. The club's recent form over its last five matches shows three wins and two losses. You can explore the full statistical breakdown for the squad on our comprehensive stats section.
What comes next for Cliftonville FC?
The immediate focus for the club is twofold: concluding the ownership transition and preparing for the new season. With Crossan set to depart, the incoming Canadian investors will be tasked with appointing new leadership. This change occurs with the club 26 points behind last season's champions, Larne, highlighting the competitive challenge ahead. Supporters will be keen to see how the new structure impacts the team's prospects. The current standings from the concluded season provide the baseline from which the new era will begin. The next chapter for Cliftonville FC is poised to begin once the ink is dry on the takeover deal, setting the stage for a new direction at Solitude.
