Cliftonville captain Rory Hale is keeping his mind focused strictly on footballing matters as the new Irish Premiership season nears but admits that there is an air of excitement around the club regarding a potential takeover.
The Toronto Investment Group – the business behind the takeover plans - were back in Belfast on Tuesday night to sell their ideas to club members and stories suggest that an improved financial offering may be on the table.
For Hale and the rest of the playing squad they have been largely distanced from the rumour mill, but the skipper cannot resist dreaming of what significant investment would mean for his club, particularly after a season where they missed out on European football.
“Jim (Magilton) and ‘Skin; (Gerard Lyttle) have done a brilliant job on just keeping football matters on the minds of the players,” Hale explained.
“Obviously, as captain, I get told certain pieces which I have to keep to myself, but the management have tried their best to just keep everyone’s feet on the ground, and just to do our talking on the pitch.
“It is difficult when you are seeing it in the media, and you know this could be happening, because it brings that sort of expectation now and excitement.
“A lot of us think great, we could maybe bring in some real quality, start challenging again, and when that drops off and falls through, you kind of see the deflation, so it is good not to get caught up in it all.
“But make no mistake, I want Cliftonville challenging at the top end of the table, and I do believe if we do get investment, we would be a real, real force.”
Hale, who turns 30 in November, is at the top of his game at present but is realistic enough to know that unless business is concluded shortly, it will be the next generation at Solitude who could reap some serious rewards.
“The young players will definitely see the benefit from it, and the potential investment coming in can stop our best players moving to the likes of Coleraine and Larne.
“They could stay here instead, that is something that has been a real problem for the club in recent seasons and is just the realistic nature of the game when there is a mix of full-time and part-time clubs.
“You can’t begrudge anybody going on to earn more money. I know a lot of people that would quit their job for an extra score a week.
“Why would someone who is getting £1,500 a week stay at Cliftonville for £400 a week? People have mortgages, they have houses, they have families,” he continued.
“What I want is Cliftonville challenging the top end of the table, challenging for every cup competition and keeping a hold of our best players.”
Whether or not a takeover materialises, most pressing for Hale is the start of the new season next Friday night, at home to derby rivals Crusaders.
With the Reds finishing fifth and Crusaders avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth, both sides will be looking for improvement, and Hale is confident that his side have done enough in the transfer market to get off to a winning start.
“We’ve recruited really well in the summer. We’ve obviously lost a couple of players, notably Big Johnny (Addis), which is disappointing. And he will be a big miss because he has been the heart of the team the last five, six seasons,” the midfielder said.
“But listen, we’ve brought in some real quality. Kyle McClelland can come in and fill that void.
And we have also signed Alex Bannon and Dean McMaster; two quality players from across the water.”
“Rhys Campbell is coming back from injury, which is a real positive. It is like a brand new signing. He’s been out for a full year. We’ve only played once with him. So that is exciting.”
So, how does the skipper see the opening night going against the Crues?
“The derbies are generally tight, and I don’t foresee any change to that on Friday.
“Crusaders will be hoping to get a good start after a disappointing season last year, just like ourselves.
“We will be taking nothing for granted, but we have to hit the ground running, and if we can go undefeated in August, it would be a big stepping stone towards meeting our targets for the season ahead.”
