Magilton lauds fanfare

Jim Magilton has hailed the “fantastic” news that Cliftonville supporters have again sold out the Club’s allocation of Season Tickets.

Having snapped up all available seats in the Main Stand Lower and McAlery Stand for the 2022/23 term, the Red Army repeated the feat in greater numbers for the forthcoming campaign, which came as music to the ears of the Manager and his squad.

“That just tells me that, like us, our fans are really up for the new season,” said Magilton.

“They’re fantastic numbers and hearing that every Season Ticket has been sold only adds to the excitement for the year ahead.

“Prior to now, as an outsider, a strong, loyal fanbase was something you’d associate with the Club down through the years. Cliftonville have always been known for having a magnificent support and we want to be a team that entertains them and wins.

“That’s our job – to entertain our fans and send them home happy by winning matches. Everybody has been working very hard in training to prepare for the new League season starting next month and knowing that we’re going to have a massive support there with us is a great spur for everyone involved.

“It’s a statement of the loyalty the fans have and an acknowledgement of everything the Club is trying to do. There’s a lot of work happening on and off the pitch not just with the players we currently have in the squad but also in terms of trying to add to it.

“Our supporters obviously can’t wait for everything to get started and that’s great for me, the players and all the staff to hear.”

The Manager also confirmed that young striker Michael Morgan has made a loan move to Playr-Fit Championship side Ballyclare Comrades.

“That will be a good experience for Michael,” explained Magilton.

“There’s a good relationship between ourselves and Ballyclare. A number of our young players have gone there and been treated really well over the years and I’m sure it’ll be a good move for Michael to get some valuable game time.”