Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has rejected an approach from Glentoran to become their new manager. The 57-year-old has decided to remain at Solitude, where he and assistant Gerard 'Skin' Lyttle signed contract extensions until 2028 earlier this year.

"I have rejected Glentoran’s approach to become their new manager to take over from Declan Devine," Magilton said. His decision provides stability for a Cliftonville side sitting fourth in the Irish Premiership with 12 points from seven games. The Reds are seven points behind leaders Coleraine but have shown their cup pedigree under Magilton's leadership.

Magilton was appointed in the summer of 2023 and has since delivered significant silverware. He ended the club's 45-year wait for the Irish Cup in 2024 and added the League Cup in the 2024/25 campaign. Cliftonville also reached the Irish Cup final last year, losing to Dungannon Swifts. The club's last league title was in 2009, and the current league campaign remains a primary focus.

The approach from Glentoran came after they parted ways with Declan Devine on Monday. The east Belfast side have lost four of their opening seven league matches, with caretakers Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann overseeing a 2-1 home defeat to Coleraine. Glentoran are now expected to look elsewhere, with former Larne and Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch linked with the vacancy. Lynch previously served as assistant manager at the Oval between 2012 and 2016.

Magilton's commitment comes after a mixed run of results for his side. Their most recent outing was a 2-0 defeat away to Larne on Tuesday, with Matthew Lusty scoring both goals. That result forms part of a recent sequence of two wins and three losses from their last five matches. You can review the full fixtures list and the latest standings for more context on the season ahead.

With the managerial speculation now settled, attention turns to Cliftonville's next challenge. They face a tough away trip to second-placed Linfield on 19 December. The club will be hoping to build on their positive start and close the gap at the top of the table.

First reported at irishnews.com