John Muffolini, the new owner of Cliftonville FC, has revealed that former Larne owner Kenny Bruce was the primary inspiration for his decision to acquire the club, not Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds. Muffolini, who finalized the purchase of Solitude Stadium earlier this month, stated in an interview that Bruce's experience in managing a Northern Irish football club provided a clearer blueprint for his own ambitions. 'Kenny Bruce showed me how to balance commercial growth with on-field success,' Muffolini said. 'Ryan Reynolds is a great guy, but his approach to Wrexham is different from what Cliftonville needs right now.' The former Larne owner, who sold his stake in the club last year, has been vocal about his desire to stabilize Cliftonville's financial position while investing in youth development. Muffolini's acquisition comes amid ongoing discussions about the club's long-term vision, with Bruce's influence evident in the emphasis on sustainable growth. The new owner also highlighted the importance of retaining key staff, including manager Stephen Robinson, as a priority. This marks a departure from previous ownership models, with Muffolini positioning himself as a bridge between Cliftonville's traditional fanbase and modern football management practices.