Sport

Irish League: Lyttle relishing role in Cliftonville hotseat

Cliftonville's caretaker boss Gerard Lyttle says the club needs to find a permanent manager sooner rather than later 
Cliftonville's caretaker boss Gerard Lyttle says the club needs to find a permanent manager sooner rather than later  Cliftonville's caretaker boss Gerard Lyttle says the club needs to find a permanent manager sooner rather than later 

CLIFTONVILLE welcome Linfield to Solitude this afternoon with caretaker boss Gerard Lyttle hoping the managerial position at the club is resolved sooner rather than later.

With three wins from three since he took temporary charge and three clean sheets to boot, the former first team coach and Reds player has surely kept his name at the front of any short list.

Asked whether he feels if he is any closer to landing the post permanently, Lyttle commented: “That’s a question you probably need to ask the chairman or Clliftonville.

“But I’ve just been told to go in and take the team and sort of ‘steady the ship’ if you like and that’s what I’ve done and I have that to do anyway, it’s in me. It’s [about] professionalism and I’ll continue to do it and I’ll wait and see.

“It’s three games in now and going into four games [today] and, not only for me, but for Cliftonville, I think they would probably need to be thinking about what they’re doing pretty soon – to get that stability back.

“I intend to keep doing what I’m doing – even if I don’t [land the job], I will continue to work hard and I will continue to be the person that I am.

“And I expect high standards – that’s the way I was brought up as a player and a coach as well and that’s what I expect and the boys know that.”

A positive result this afternoon against the high-flying Windsor Blues may just make any clamour for Lyttle to succeed Tommy Breslin irresistible. Not that the calm and measured Lyttle is getting carried away, although he clearly appreciates the significance of the game for himself and the club.

“It’s massive,” declared Lyttle.

“Every game is a big test in my opinion. You’re always testing yourself against every team but with Linfield being top of the league and with Linfield being Linfield you have that wee bit of rivalry that adds that wee bit of extra spice to the game.

“But we prepare no differently to any other game and we’ve done the same this week and we’re looking forward to it.

“They’re a decent team and when you’re top of the table you obviously have something about you. It will be a tough enough game for us and hopefully our boys are up for it, which I have no doubt they will be, but these games take care of themselves.

“It’s a good game for a spectator but probably not a good game for a manager to be involved in because on the day anything can happen. [But] it’s a game that I look forward to and I always looked forward as a player playing in them and as a manager I look forward to it as well.

“It’s the same as when Crusaders come and Glentoran – everybody’s up for it and everybody wants to play. The tempo in training rises a wee bit during the week as well because everyone is wanting to impress and wanting to start.”

Lyttle has clearly got the players onside and admitted that there is a definite feel good factor about the famous old stadium at present, which is certain to be rocking today as always.

“We look a lot more solid, we’re keeping clean sheets and the boys are working really hard for each other,” he said.

“We’re getting that confidence back within the changing room. Long may it continue – there’s a nice buzz about the place at the minute and that obviously comes from winning.”

Irish League stats

Ballymena United v Crusaders


(today, 3pm)


BALLYMENA have really turned things around after their awful start. Having lost their first four games, conceding 15 goals in the process, they have embarked on a five-game unbeaten run that has left them with 11 points. Crusaders also had a slow start to the season, but they have looked in irresistible form as of late.


Odds: H: 18/5 D: 14/5 A: 8/13


Verdict: Crusaders

Carrick Rangers v Portadown


(today, 3pm)


CARRICK will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Crusaders when they host Portadown. Ronnie McFall’s side are in an alarming run having failed to win in five games, but they should get back on track here.


Odds: H: 9/4 D: 12/5 A: 1/1


Verdict: Portadown

Cliftonville v Linfield


(today, 3pm)


MUCH of the focus today will be on Linfield boss Warren Feeney as he has been linked to the assistant’s job at Newport County. Even this early in the season, there’s a feeling that Cliftonville really need to win this. If they do, they will be back within two points of the league leaders.


Odds: H: 6/4 D: 12/5 A: 6/4


Verdict: Draw

Coleraine v Warrenpoint Town


(today, 3pm)


WARRENPOINT manager Barry Gray has tried to avoid any panic, but with just four points from nine games, these are worrying times for the Seasiders. Coleraine are unlikely to show them much sympathy either, and they’ll be looking to build on their impressive win away to Portadown last time out.


Odds: H: 8/13 D: 11/4 A: 18/5


Verdict: Coleraine


Glenavon v Dungannon Swifts


(today, 3pm)


GLENAVON have picked up just one win in their last seven games in all competitions, but they were unfortunate to lose out 4-3 to Linfield in their last game. Dungannon have been the entertainers of late having scored seven and conceded seven over their last three games.


Odds: H: 8/15 D: 3/1 A: 4/1


Verdict: Draw

Glentoran v Ballinamallard United


(today, 3pm)


GLENTORAN will be without Ciaran Caldwell through suspension but Jay Magee returns. Ballinamallard have won only one game this season, the opening day against Warrenpoint, and that’s unlikely to change today.


Odds: H: 4/7 D: 3/1 A: 18/5


Verdict: Glentoran