New start

Cliftonville’s pre-season programme will kick-off with a tie against Newry City on Saturday, July 24.

The Reds, who returned to training on Thursday evening, will tackle three NI Football League Championship teams, a Premier Intermediate League side and opposition from the League of Ireland as part of a confirmed five-match schedule in the build-up to next month’s Danske Bank Premiership curtain-raiser with Carrick Rangers.

After facing Newry in a game currently set for Solitude but which could yet be switched to The Showgrounds, Paddy McLaughlin’s men are set to host Ards on July 27 before travelling to Mullaghacall to take on last season’s Irish Cup first round opponents Portstewart on the 31st.

August commences with a Brandywell battle against Institute ahead of Derry City visiting Solitude for what is for the minute pencilled in as the Reds’ final warm-up fixture, however supporters are advised of a potential match being arranged for Saturday, August 14.

As is tradition for a pre-season programme, all games are subject to change which will be communicated via the Club’s official media channels.

Pre-Season Fixtures
July
24: Cliftonville v Newry City (2pm)*
27: Cliftonville v Ards (7.30pm)
31: Portstewart v Cliftonville (2pm)

August
3: Institute v Cliftonville (7.30pm)
7: Cliftonville v Derry City (3pm)

*Potential for a switch of venue