Laying Donn foundations

Cliftonville FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Mickey Donnelly as the Club’s Head of Elite Player Development.

The former Reds captain, who made a Club record 610 appearances during a memorable Cliftonville career, returns to Solitude in a role that will see him work closely with the Olympic and Strollers squads.

“I’m delighted to bring Mickey back to the Club after a few years away,” said Chairman Gerard Lawlor.

“We have always remained in contact and I know he has watched Club developments from afar.

“I feel he’s the ideal person to come in and work alongside our Head of Youth, Marc Smyth, and fill a gap that has existed within our elite development of players in preparation for their involvement within the Reserves and first-team set-up.

“His main role is the recruitment and development of elite players and he will have overall control for the Reserves and Under 18 squads.

“Over the past number of years, I feel we have lost our way a little and lost players to other Clubs when we could have done better in the development of some local talent. Hopefully this appointment, which is within a wider strategy, will be the first steps in reversing the tide.”