Jim Magilton

CLIFTONVILLE sparkled against Crusaders in the north Belfast derby at Solitude on Saturday, their comfortable victory studded with fine performances.

CLIFTONVILLE manager Jim Magilton says he always knew Saturday’s game at Ballycastle Road was going to be a tough one but was pleased to have the strength in depth from the bench to make the difference.

A win tonight against their seventh-placed rivals would see Stephen Baxter’s side leapfrog Larne, Linfield and leaders Glentoran to occupy top spot and illustrate their genuine title ambitions

New Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton made it two wins from two on Tuesday evening, as his side had too much quality for Newry City at The Showgrounds.

Cliftonville get their season underway with a home game against Glenavon on Saturday afternoon, and midfielder Chris Gallagher has emphasised the importance of the Reds winning the games which they are expected to this campaign.

The supremo points to big-name managerial appointments as a huge positive for the status of the league

Cliftonville has said some supporters have made 'unfounded assertions of a personal nature' since Jim Magilton took over the top job at Solitude earlier this month.

JIM Magilton has been named as the new Cliftonville manager, with former boss Gerard Lyttle leaving his post as Northern Ireland’s U17 and U19 manager to head back to Solitude as his assistant.

WARREN Feeney is the manager of Glentoran - while Jim Magilton and Gerard Lyttle could yet be Cliftonville-bound after being seemingly ruled out of the running a few weeks ago.

JIM McGuinness could be confirmed as the new manager of Dundalk FC this weekend according to sources close to the club.