Toole time

Cliftonville Football Club are very pleased to announce the signing of Joseph Toole on loan from Fleetwood Town.

Capable of playing in both the centre and on the right side of defence, Joseph signed his first professional contract with Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2024 and enjoyed a loan spell with Hyde United during the first half of last season.

A regular in Fleetwood’s Under-21 side throughout the current campaign, Joseph becomes the Reds’ first addition of the January Transfer Window and, subject to international clearance, will be in the squad for Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round tie with Dundela.

Welcome to Solitude, Joseph.

Departing the Club following a productive loan spell, meanwhile, is full-back Tom Lavery.

The 20-year-old returns to Sunderland after scoring two goals in 19 appearances, with all at Cliftonville thanking him for his services over the past five months and extending our sincere best wishes for his future career.