Jim Magilton will stay on as manager of Cliftonville FC, ending speculation that he was set to replace Declan Devine at Glentoran. The 57-year-old's commitment provides immediate stability for a side sitting fourth in the Premiership with 12 points from seven games.
Magilton, who was appointed in 2023, directly addressed the situation. "I will remain manager of Cliftonville despite Glentoran's interest in the former Northern Ireland international," he said. His decision comes just days before his current club hosts his rumoured suitors in a league fixture this Saturday. Glentoran parted ways with Devine on Monday after his two-year tenure.
The manager's choice to stay at Solitude is a significant boost for the club's ambitions. Under his guidance, Cliftonville ended a 45-year wait for the Irish Cup in 2024 and lifted the BetMcLean Cup last year by beating Glentoran in the final. His experience from roles at Ipswich Town, the Irish FA, Dundalk and Melbourne Victory has been central to this success.
Recent form has been mixed, with the Reds' last five results reading two wins and three losses. They were beaten 2-0 by Larne last time out but had previously secured a 3-1 victory over Carrick Rangers. The immediate focus now shifts to the weekend's clash with eighth-placed Glentoran, a fixture loaded with extra narrative. The team has scored an average of 1.8 goals per 90 minutes this season, and their next match is scheduled for Saturday at 15:00.
First reported at bbc.com
