Window shopping

It was, as Chairman Gerard Lawlor tantalisingly predicted on social media early in the afternoon, a busy Transfer Deadline Day at Solitude.

Always an occasion rife with rumour and speculation amid a flurry of talks across the Danske Bank Premiership and beyond, Cliftonville – whose first pieces of January business were the acquisition of former Clyde defender Joe Gorman, the extension of goalkeeper Declan Dunne’s loan stint with Portadown and the emigration of Conor McDonald – announced the arrival of Aaron Harkin from Institute at 3.30pm.

The 25-year-old brother of fellow Reds midfielder Ruairi, former Finn Harps youngster Aaron (main image) had, along with Warrenpoint Town full-back Seanna Foster, just a fortnight ago signed a pre-contract agreement to move to Solitude in the summer but last night joined his new team-mates for training after the Club reached an agreement with Stute to bring his transfer forward.

Just after 8pm, meanwhile, the departure of Damien McNulty on loan to Ards was confirmed and, less than three quarters of an hour later, attendees at the Club’s Members Meeting were among the first to learn of an incoming loan, with Glenavon midfielder Niall Grace (above, with Gerard Lawlor) sealing a move to the Reds until the end of the season.

We naturally wish our new arrivals well during their Cliftonville careers and likewise hope our outgoing players enjoy rewarding experiences on their travels.

January Transfer Window
Ins
Joe Gorman (Clyde)
Aaron Harkin (Institute)
Seanna Foster (Warrenpoint Town; end of season)
Niall Grace (Glenavon; loan)

Outs
Conor McDonald (Unattached)
Declan Dunne (Portadown; loan)
Damien McNulty (Ards; loan)