Cliftonville duo’s dedication ‘cannot be underestimated’ as they commit long-term future to the club

Cliftonville have confirmed Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle have signed new deals with the club

Cliftonville FC is hoping to experience more success under management duo Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle after they committed theIr long-term future to the club.

Since taking over two years ago Magilton and Lyttle have brought the Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup back to Solitude as well as twice leading the Reds into Europe.

Chairman Kieran Harding is hoping they can continue to bring success to the north Belfast club over the three-year tenure of their new deal.

“Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle have been instrumental in the successes the Club has enjoyed over the last two seasons,” said Harding.

“As a management team, they have delivered trophies, European football and some hugely memorable experiences for supporters young and old.

“Their dedication to Cliftonville and to improving players on the training pitch cannot be underestimated and, as well as expressing my own delight at extending their contracts for a further three years, I’m sure I speak on behalf of Reds fans around the world when I say how much we’re all looking forward to what we can achieve in the seasons ahead.”

Off the pitch the club members voted to continue formal negotiations with the Toronto Investment Group over their proposed investment into the Reds with Harding hoping a final decision will be made within the next two months.

“The meeting on Monday evening discussed the current situation in relation to the proposal from the Toronto Investment Group,” said Harding.

“It became evident that there remained clear gaps and outstanding issues still to be resolved. As a result, it was agreed that the Board appoint an additional legal representative who would engage with TIG’s lawyers to explore whether a resolution to those issues could be found.

“In addition, a new Board subgroup was appointed involving the Chair, two newly co-opted Board members together with two representatives from the Membership of Cliftonville FC. The subgroup will provide oversight on the discussions and guidance to the legal representative.

“The subgroup will report findings to the Board before a final decision on the investment is made by the Members. We hope that any final decision will be made within the next two months.”