Danske Bank Premiership: Ballymena United v Cliftonville (Saturday, 3pm)
CLIFTONVILLE veteran George McMullan says he plans to bring the curtain down on his playing career at the end of the season.
McMullan, who will have a testimonial game against Celtic at Solitude on Monday, April 11, revealed that a series of “niggly injuries” have contributed to his decision to retire in May.
In an in-depth interview with The Irish News that will appear next week, McMullan said: “In all honesty, my plans are to retire in May.
“They’re not concrete, but that’s what I’m planning. I just think the time is right. I’ve had a good innings. Don’t get me wrong, I could play on for another year or two, but I’m starting to get niggly injuries and they’re keeping me out.”
McMullan added: “I’ve a back injury. I’ve never had a sore back in my life, so it's time.”
The two-time league winner joined the Reds in 2002 and quickly became a firm favourite with the club’s fans. His crowning glory was scoring the winning penalty against Linfield in April 2013 that delivered the club’s first league title since 1998.
McMullan hopes to step away for a season, but wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a coaching role at the north Belfast club: “'Skin’ [Gerard Lyttle] is on board now and hopefully he'll get a chance to build his own team and maybe I’ll be part of the backroom team some day," he said.
“I think I‘d like to do that. I’d like to take a year out, take a break. I might regret the decision to retire, but I think the time is right. I’ve three kids, my youngest is nine months and I’m 34 now.”
Ahead of his testimonial night, former Cliftonville boss Eddie Patterson was one of many Irish League figures who heaped praise on the midfielder: “For me, Georgie would be one of the most technically gifted players I've ever worked with,” said Patterson.
“He was absolutely fearless in a challenge, rarely gave the ball away and had an eye for a pass that many others hadn't. He'd be the first to tell you he wasn't blessed with great pace, but his mind worked quicker than most others - that's the sign of a great footballer. His name was one of the first down on my team-sheets."
Meanwhile, the Reds will travel to Ballymena United on Saturday afternoon for their rescheduled league game. Cliftonville, who are five points adrift of third-placed Glenavon, are still pushing for a European place.
