Friendly fare

Cliftonville’s pre-season programme will begin with a friendly against Portadown at Solitude on Saturday, July 8.

The team will then undertake away days against sides managed by former Reds stars, with Ciaran Caldwell’s Crumlin United hosting a clash at Mill Road on Tuesday, July 11 before Ballyclare Comrades – bossed by Stephen Small – welcome Cliftonville to Dixon Park four days later.

League of Ireland outfit Finn Harps are pencilled in to visit Solitude on Tuesday, July 25, with further fixtures to be added to the schedule once confirmed.

One thing that is for certain, however, is that with just 18 days until that first outing with the Ports, supporters can now officially begin the countdown to the Reds’ return to action.

Confirmed pre-season fixtures
Saturday, July 8: Cliftonville v Portadown (2.30pm)
Tuesday, July 11: Crumlin United v Cliftonville (7.30pm)
Saturday, July 15: Ballyclare Comrades v Cliftonville (3pm)
Tuesday, July 25: Cliftonville v Finn Harps (7.30pm)
Further fixtures to be added