Paddy McLaughlin will forget about the good times at Solitude when he makes his first official return to North Belfast today.
Cliftonville play host to in-form Glenavon in the game of the day in the Clearer Water Irish Cup aiming to defend the trophy they won in dramatic fashion last season.
McLaughlin has worked wonders since taking over from Stephen McDonnell at Mourneview Park and Glenavon go into today’s showdown having won their last five games.
Reds fans know very well what McLaughlin can do as he managed Cliftonville from 2019 – 2023 before leaving for Derry City.
He won the Co Antrim Shield, the League Cup and pushed Linfield all the way in a thrilling title race in 2022.
McLaughlin says he is looking forward to seeing old friends at Solitude but insists that for two hours this afternoon those friends become foes.
“It will be good to go back to Solitude”, said McLaughlin.
“I’ve been back to watch a couple of games but this will be my first time back as a manager.
“I’m looking forward to it. Cliftonville is a fabulous club, I enjoyed my time there, made good friends and the fans were always great with me.
“But that will all be put to one side today because on Saturday we are rivals.
“My heart and my home is now with Glenavon and I will be doing my utmost to win today.
“Cliftonville were always good to me but for two hours today we will become enemies.
“I think it’s something for the supporters, seeing a former manager return but I don’t think it will have any bearing on the game or how we prepare.
“It’s a great opportunity for both teams. Our priority this season is maintaining our status in the top flight but it will be nice to get a break from the league today.
“We have a young squad of exciting players, players like Paul McGovern and Chris Atherton, both 16, and I like working in an environment where there is a good mix of experience and youth.
“We’ll have bumps along the way, no doubt, and we will suffer but things are going really well for us at the club.
“We have a really good group of honest players and the fans have really bought into what we are trying to do.
“They turned out in great numbers for the game against Dungannon on TV the other week and I’m sure there will be a big crowd today, our fans are supporting the team home and away.
“I hope the players can feed off that and get the result today.”
McLaughlin has moved to bring Harry Murphy and Aaron Heaney to Mourneview this month and says his aim before the window closes is to keep all of his players.
“We’re trying to hold onto all of our players so I can’t foresee anyone leaving now, but you never know what can happen.
“We can’t compete with some of the money on offer from other clubs so it’s important that we make the right signings, players who will fit in with what we are trying to build here.”
