Count on unity, says Gray

Barry Gray says he and everyone involved is working hard to kick-start Cliftonville’s season – and hopes victory over Lisburn Distillery this evening can act as a springboard.

The Reds enter their County Antrim Shield opener on the back of some patchy form but the boss says he, his staff and his players share the supporters’ determination to turn things round.

“Believe me when I say we are working hard to rectify things and fix the problems we’re facing,” he explains.

“And that’s the key word here – we. It’s not a case of the Manager blaming the players or the squad pointing fingers elsewhere, it has to be collective responsibility and a joint approach to putting things right.

“My message to the players has been to control the things we are capable of controlling – what happens outside of that is not for us to tackle.

“There’s no magic wand to fix things, it’s about getting the simple things right and that’s what we’re focused on.”

You can read the Manager’s full pre-match views in this evening’s edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £2.50.

Alongside a review of the Whites’ season to date, The Red Eye’s sixth issue of the campaign looks back over Dáithí Mac Gabhann’s recent VIP experience at Solitude and steps 109, 70 and 36 years back down memory lane, plus plenty more besides.

Our Matchday Magazine has attained a top-three position in the NI Football Programme Collectors’ annual awards poll for the last seven seasons – assuming the runners-up position on six of those occasions – so, if you’re not a regular reader, why not take a look at what you’ve been missing out on?

Admission
Tickets are not required for this fixture and spectators can pay cash at the turnstiles.

Adults: £9
Concessions: £5

Members Tickets, Season Tickets and Family Tickets are NOT valid for this match.