Matter of thanks

As one of the most challenging seasons in the history of Cliftonville Football Club draws to a conclusion, our thanks are extended to everyone who played a role throughout the 2020/21 schedule.

Saturday’s European Play-Off Final defeat at Larne came 301 days after the team’s opening friendly of the campaign and represented the 53rd fixture of what proved a significantly testing period on and off the pitch.

As well as thanking Manager Paddy McLaughlin, his staff and players for their dedication over the last seven months of competitive action, Cliftonville FC also places on record our sincere appreciation for those whose assistance ensured that Solitude was able to host matches amid a raft of Covid protocols.

Our Club was repeatedly commended by visiting officials and guests for the efficient nature of our safeguarding procedures, while our supporters’ patience and understanding during the disruption to their traditional matchday routine is likewise appreciated and it goes without saying that we hope to welcome you back in your usual greater numbers next season.

Volunteers have long been the heartbeat of Cliftonville Football Club and we are hugely thankful to everyone who stepped forward during unprecedented circumstances.

Alongside the standard tasks performed by those who have cleaned seats, swept stairwells, operated turnstiles, contributed to and sold programmes, coordinated stewarding, assisted in The Reds Shop and assumed social media responsibilities over the years, this term saw supporters step into brand new roles at sanitising stations, temperature checks, ticket scans and social distance observation.

We are indebted to each and every one of you.