Peps’ new step

Ahead of Cliftonville reporting for pre-season training tomorrow, Jim Magilton is delighted to confirm Conor Pepper’s addition to his backroom staff.

Coming aboard as first team coach, Conor made 98 appearances across three seasons as a player at the Reds, with whom he won the Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup before guiding our Strollers team to the Academy League Under-18 title last term.

As well as looking forward to taking the Wee Reds into the UEFA Youth League, Conor – who will provide a valuable link between the first team and the Academy – will also assume a new role in the senior set-up for the 2026/27 campaign.